This research project aims at identifying noise hotspots and areas of potential conflicts with vulnerable marine mammals’ habitats in the Indian Ocean Region. The global aim of this project is to gather baseline knowledge of noise-producing shipping activities. Areas accumulating noise-producing activities (noise hotspots) are pointed out, with a focus on zones overlapping with important marine mammals’ habitats. The results have revealed several noise hotspots overlapping important marine mammals’ habitats. The research study states the two different noises that the marine environment experience- impulsive noise and continuous low-frequency noise. It further notes that marine mammals, especially cetaceans, are highly vocal and dependent on sound for almost all aspects of their lives, e.g. food-finding, reproduction, communication, detection of predators/hazards, and navigation. They are thus likely sensitive to anthropogenic noise. The work attempts to study and map variations in the ambient noise levels corresponding to the fluctuations in the surface parameters and shipping traffic.
1. Vulnerable marine mammals (IOR): There are many marine mammals in the Indian Ocean region whose condition, as stated by IUCN, is vulnerable or endangered.
2. Marine Environment (important for mammals): One of the characteristics of low-frequency sound is that it can travel relatively long distances without much attenuation (reduction in level).
3. Spatial-temporal mapping (way of implementation): The work attempts to study and map variations in the ambient noise levels corresponding to the fluctuations in the surface parameters and shipping traffic.
4. Noise and noise-mammals interaction hotspots: The audibility maps were limited to the area that had previously been surveyed for marine mammals.
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“”A demonstrator system for real-time noise monitoring has been built up in an important conservation area where noise due to anthropogenic sources has been recognized to be a threat to a marine mammal. The project has the potential to become a helpful tool for implementing conservation, management, and mitigation policies.
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Research Fellow