Kot, B.W., R. Sears, A. Anis, D.P. Nowacek, J. Gedamke, and C.D. Marshall Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Lead author: Brian W. Kot, [email protected]
This investigation involved systematic trials and controls testing for behavioral responses of minke whales (N=42) to experimental fishing gear in a coastal environment. A remote sensing system was also used to simultaneously monitor oceanographic conditions, record underwater sounds and capture underwater video of whales swimming near ropes. Results demonstrated that minke whales decreased their swimming velocity and altered their bearing when passing near experimental ropes, especially during trials with white ropes and black ropes. Some minkes also altered their underwater swimming trajectories when passing near ropes, and often appeared to produce low-frequency vocalizations. Collectively this information provides strong evidence that minke whales detect and react behaviorally to the presence of underwater ropes that simulate fishing gear in nearshore areas.