Anthropogenic noise predicts sea turtle behavioural responses

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Environmental Science
• Bioacoustics

Background:

• Anthropogenic noise is a significant global pollutant impacting marine ecosystems.
• Research on underwater noise pollution effects is extensive in fish and mammals, but limited for marine reptiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the behavioral responses of free-ranging green turtles (Chelonia mydas) to vessel noise.
• To assess the impact of anthropogenic noise on the time budgets and vigilance of marine reptiles.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a multichannel data logger with integrated camera and hydrophone.
• Quantified behavioral changes in a green turtle in response to vessel noise in the Galapagos Archipelago.

Main Results:

• Green turtles exhibited increased vigilance while traveling as vessel noise levels rose.
• No significant increase in vigilance was observed when the turtle was on the seabed, despite increasing noise levels.

Conclusions:

• Underwater noise pollution has the potential to alter the overall time budgets of marine animals.
• In situ approaches are crucial for assessing the real-time effects of human activities, like vessel noise, on marine wildlife.