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Two Studies: Blue and Beaked whales affected by simulated navy sonar
In two experiments, teams of researchers managed to attach tracking and sound-recording tags to 17 blue whales and two beaked whales.
They then played simulated sonar sound through an underwater speaker and measured the animals' responses.
The findings are reported in two Royal Society journals, Proceedings B and Biology Letters.
Researchers have previously linked mass strandings and deaths of beaked whales around the world to military exercises using what is known as mid-frequency sonar. So scientists have been keen to understand if the sound harmed the animals.
The new study does not explain those strandings - the chain of events that leads to these remains unclear.
But marine mammal expert Patrick Miller, from the University of St Andrews' Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), who was not involved with the new study, said the results showed it would be wise for naval exercises to "avoid critical habitat areas".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23115939
They then played simulated sonar sound through an underwater speaker and measured the animals' responses.
The findings are reported in two Royal Society journals, Proceedings B and Biology Letters.
Researchers have previously linked mass strandings and deaths of beaked whales around the world to military exercises using what is known as mid-frequency sonar. So scientists have been keen to understand if the sound harmed the animals.
The new study does not explain those strandings - the chain of events that leads to these remains unclear.
But marine mammal expert Patrick Miller, from the University of St Andrews' Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), who was not involved with the new study, said the results showed it would be wise for naval exercises to "avoid critical habitat areas".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23115939
