Acoustic Ecology and Remote Acoustic Monitoring of a Minke Whale Population

摘要

Sound is the most effective means of communication in the ocean. A uniquely inquisitive minke whale population on the northern Great Barrier Reef presents an unprecedented research opportunity to study minke acoustics. In 1997, we used vessel-based recordings to link the minke to a wide variety of sounds. In 1998 and 1999, we expanded the study to include a remote acoustic array to monitor and track one particularly interesting vocalization that can be used for long distance communication. Our vessel-based recordings have given us the largest database of minke sounds yet reported. By matching the acoustics with observed behaviors, group structure and identification data, we are beginning to shed light on the possible functions of these sounds. Our remote array work is revealing how these sounds are used over larger scales by allowing us to localize and track the movements of vocalizing animals. We have been able to look at the physical and acoustic interaction between multiple vocalizing whales for distances of over 5 km and times longer than 2 hours.