An overview of North Atlantic right whale acoustic behavior, hearing capabilities, and responses to sound. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matthews, Leanna P.; Parks, Susan E.
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 173:Part B(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: North Atlantic right whale -- Marine mammals -- Acoustic behavior -- Acoustic communication -- Hearing -- Perception; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Creating a baseline understanding of communicative signals and perceptual abilities is imperative for gaining insight into a species' life history. This is especially relevant for at-risk species, as it can aid in monitoring and conservation efforts. Marine mammals communicate predominately through acoustic modalities for a variety of functions, including foraging and reproduction. The acoustic signals produced by marine mammals, and their ability to perceive signals produced by conspecifics, are directly impacted by the level of ambient noise in the underwater environment in which they inhabit. Modern ocean noise levels are considerably louder than historical levels, and noise is therefore considered to be a threat to acoustically communicating marine mammal species. This review summarizes the documented acoustic signals, hearing abilities, and responses to sound of a critically endangered baleen whale, the North Atlantic right whale ( Eubalaena glacialis ), highlights gaps in the current body of literature, and identifies priorities for future research. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: North Atlantic right whales produce a variety of sounds, including tonal and impulsive signals Tonal sounds generally range from 50-600 Hz and are less than 5 s, though impulsive signals are much shorter and broadband Hearing ranges from 20 Hz-22 kHz, based on vocalization frequency, anatomical modeling, and behavioral responses Given the overlap of right whale habitat and human activities, understanding the impacts of anthropogenic noise is critical