Why monitor underwater sounds?
Endangered humpback whales feed during summers in Glacier Bay. Research shows that whales may move away from preferred feeding areas when disturbed by vessel sounds. Repeated disturbances could be detrimental to Alaskan humpbacks, who must feed enough during the summer to sustain themselves through their 3,000 mile roundtrip migration to and from Hawaii. Vessel noise can also interfere with whale communications, increase the opportunity for collision between vessels and whales, or cause short or long-term hearing loss. Park staff are interested in learning what, if anything, can be done to minimize sound disturbance of marine mammals in the park. The data gathered during this study will help park managers fine-tune vessel management regulations. The specific objectives of the research are to: • Describe ‘natural underwater sounds” such as wind, rain, and animal vocalizations • Describe vessel-generated sounds (frequency, loudness, duration, and how far the sound travels) in lower Glaci
