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Marine mammal observations during seismic surveys in 2000 2003

Abstract

There were 467 sightings of marine mammals (9,258 individuals) during seismic surveys in UK waters and some adjacent areas in 2000. 12,069 hrs 40 mins were spent watching for marine mammals during seismic surveys in 2000.

After controlling for potential sources of bias (location, season, weather conditions) the sighting rate of white-sided dolphins was found to be significantly lower during periods of shooting (excluding during low power site surveys). Sighting rates of fin whales, sperm whales, white-beaked dolphins, all baleen whales combined and all dolphins combined did not differ significantly with seismic activity. After controlling for weather conditions at the time of the sighting, white-beaked dolphins, white-sided dolphins and all dolphins combined were found to be significantly further from the airguns when they were firing than when they were silent (excluding site surveys).

Resource type Publication

Topic category Environment

Reference date 2003·01·01

Citation
Stone, C.J. (2003) Marine mammal observations during seismic surveys in 2000, JNCC Report No. 322, JNCC, Peterborough, ISSN 0963-8091.

Lineage
This report presents an analysis of data on marine mammals sightings during seismic surveys carried out in UK waters during 2000.

Responsible organisation
Communications, JNCC publisher

Limitations on public access No limitations

Use constraints Available under the Open Government Licence 3.0

Metadata date 2019·08·23

Metadata point of contact
Communications, JNCC

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