At this level, boat noise is perhaps audible to the whales but with a low perceived loudness. We recommend a noise threshold be added to whale-watching regulations, ideally around the volume of the natural underwater background noise. Research confirms louder boat noise disturbs whales more than quiet boat noise. A very loud boat is, in effect, considered to have the same impact on the animals as a very quiet boat. Guidelines, however, do not consider the noise level of the boat's engine. Many countries have guidelines on the boat's minimum distance from the animals (typically around 100 meters), the speed at which it passes (typically below wake speed) and the approaching angle (typically from the side-rear). Whale-watching guidelines overlook noise impacts Such outcomes are not only negative for the animals, but also for the whale-watching industry that depends on them. If the cumulative effects of these short-term impacts are not considered, they can lead to long-term consequences for the animals, such as population declines or leaving an area altogether. These impacts are especially important for whales with young. For example, it might prevent them from resting or feeding, or change their breathing, swimming and dive patterns. How does noise affect whales and dolphins?īesides income for local communities, whale watching has education and conservation benefits if tourists are inspired to care for the environment.ĭespite these benefits, watching whales from a motorized boat and swimming with whales can disturb their natural behavior. They should.Īs the whale-watching season begins in Australia for humpback whales and southern right whales, we offer tips here for individual operators to reduce noise from their boats. Yet current whale-watching guidelines, including Australia's, do not include noise levels. The Australian whale-watching industry is one of the biggest in the world.īecause the industry actively seeks out whales and dolphins, using quieter boats should be a priority. This multi-billion-dollar industry is active in waters off more than 100 countries. And watching whales involves a lot of boats and millions of tourists each year. Our new research confirms noise from a boat watching whales at a distance of 300 meters can still disturb them. They rely on sounds to communicate, navigate, feed and detect predators. Sound travels almost five times faster underwater than it does in the air, so it's an important sense for whales. We can achieve this by using quieter boats.īut why do we need quieter boats? Whales and dolphins primarily use hearing to sense their surroundings (rather than sight like humans do). This is ultimately what we all wish to see when spending time in nature watching animals.
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