Seasonal occurrence of blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) vocalizations in the Gully Marine Protected Area

Authors

  • Emmaline Camille Marotte <p>Dalhousie University</p><p>Fisheries and Oceans Canada</p>
  • Hilary Moors-Murphy Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Abstract

The Scotian Slope off the coast of Nova Scotia is home to the largest submarine canyon off eastern Canada, known as the Gully. Designated as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) since 2004, the Gully is considered to be an important marine habitat frequented by a variety of cetacean species. Previous studies have confirmed the presence of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the Gully during late summer months; however, their occurrence in the canyon during other times of year remains unknown. This study investigated the vocal presence of blue whales using acoustic recordings collected with bottom-mounted pop-up hydrophones placed at the mouth of the Gully during summer 2006 and winter 2006 and 2007. A ten-minute recording was collected from each hour throughout each deployment period. An automated blue whale call detector was run through the recordings and all recordings containing blue whale detections were visually and aurally examined. Verified blue whale calls were found on 17% of the summer recordings and 4% of winter recordings. This indicates that at least some individuals occur in the Gully area during winter months. Continuing protection of the Gully MPA is critical for cetacean conservation as the area hosts multiple endangered species, including blue whales, throughout the year.

Additional Files

Published

2015-09-01

How to Cite

1.
Marotte EC, Moors-Murphy H. Seasonal occurrence of blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) vocalizations in the Gully Marine Protected Area. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2015 Sep. 1 [cited 2024 Dec. 4];43(3). Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/2796

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 3 (2015)

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

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