Use of a behavioural response method to assess the risk of collision between migrating humpback whales and vessels

With the substantial increase in many large whale populations, paired with the rise in global shipping and recreational vessel activity, it is not surprising that negative interactions between whales and vessels are increasing. Here, the collision risk between migrating groups of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and vessels was assessed by determining if changes in their movement trajectories in response to an oncoming vessel translated to vessel avoidance. It was assumed groups would implement an escape response strategy, using cues such as the vessel speed, trajectory, proximity, and received level of noise to inform their response magnitude. However, many groups were unresponsive to an approaching vessel such that the vessel had to take evasive action. This study shows that humpback whales are not likely to take sufficient avoidance action when there is a potential for a vessel and whale to collide. Therefore, when developing a risk management strategy, mitigation measures that reduce the encounter rate between whales and vessels are likely to be the most effective.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115986
• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X23014212
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0025326
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2024 The Author. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Dunlop, Rebecca
• Publication Date: 2024-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: 115986
• Serial:
  • Marine Pollution Bulletin
  • Volume: 199
  • Issue Number: 0
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0025-326
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0025326X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Animal behavior; Animal migrations; Crashes; Risk management; Ships; Wildlife
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01911771
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 13 2024 9:22AM