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Marine biologists in Australia have published the results of research into the impact of noise from whale watching tourist boats on whales.
Marine biologists in Australia published research on the impact of noise from whale watching tourist boats on whales.
Whale watching connects people with marine life and provides tourist income.
Whales rely on hearing and sounds to communicate, navigate, feed and detect predators.
Previous research showed noise from tourist boats reduced resting time in whales.
This new work found that noise from boats at 300 metres reduced resting time.
Researchers are recommending guidelines on engine noise.
Many countries already have guidelines on minimum distance, passing speed, and approach angle for boats.
The full paper is titled "Effects of whale-watching activities on southern right whales in Encounter Bay, South Australia - ScienceDirect"
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Marine biologists in Australia have published the results of research into the impact of noise from whale watching tourist boats on whales. Whale watching is a popular tourist activity around the world, connecting people with marine life and providing tourist income. However, whales and dolphins rely on hearing and sounds to communicate, navigate, feed and detect predators - and boats make noise. Previous work referenced by this research shows noise from tourist boats reducing resting time in whales. This new work also found that noise from boats at 300 metres reduced resting time. The researchers are recommending guidelines on engine noise are added to those that many countries already have on minimum distance from animals, passing speed and approach angle for boats.
More on the research: Whale-watching guidelines don't include boat noise. It's time they did (theconversation.com)
Full paper: Effects of whale-watching activities on southern right whales in Encounter Bay, South Australia - ScienceDirect
This week noise proved to be a cross party issue as written questions on noise and health, drones and railways from MPs from three parties were answered
European Commission urged to treat noise pollution as a core public health, environmental and productivity issue
Webinars from last weeks' Noise Action Week - covering noise and health, a day in the life of an acoustician, the impact of electric buses and pubs and clubs best practice now online
New research on travel attitudes in Wales finds no change in number of respondents bothered by noise outside their homes
A report commissioned by the Department for Business and Industrial Strategy to look at assessment of noise from onshore wind farms is now published.
The Welsh Government are consulting on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps(ASHP).
As part of their ongoing enquiry into the impact of airport expansion on climate and nature targets, the Environmental Audit Committee will be taking oral evidence tomorrow - Wednesday May 14th.
The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.
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