Dear colleagues,

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to inform you our new publication in Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology:

Assessment of the impact of anthropogenic airborne noise on the behaviour of Cape fur seals during the breeding season in Namibia

Mathilde Martin, Tess Gridley, Simon Elwen, Isabelle Charrier

Abstract:
The increase of anthropogenic noise in the environment is a global phenomenon occurring in various types of
habitats. Its impact on wildlife is therefore a growing research concern for many taxa. Due to their amphibious
lifestyle, pinnipeds are exposed to anthropogenic noise in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Using
playback experiments, the present study assessed the impact of engine noise (car and boat) on the behaviour of
Cape fur seals at the Pelican Point breeding colony, Namibia. Groups of individuals (35 groups, 369 individuals)
were exposed either to low, medium or high amplitude levels of in-air noise, broadcast from the land or sea side.
During the noise exposure, we found a significant increase in energetically costly behaviours: time spent awake,
vigilance and locomotion for both females and pups. This was to the detriment of vital activities such as resting
and nursing that decreased considerably (from 5.9 to 45% decrease) compared to the pre-playback phase without
noise exposure. Animals' behavioural disturbance was limited to the 2-min period of noise exposure and we
observed a rapid recovery when the noise ceased. We found stronger responses to boat motor noise broadcast
from the sea side compared to car motor noise from land. Noise pollution from vehicles and boats in the vicinity
of seal breeding colonies may threaten their health and the survival of their young by modifying their natural
behaviour. It is therefore important to develop regulations for vehicles (speed, distance) in these areas with
increasing tourist and recreational activities to limit disturbance.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would request the PDF

Best regards,