During the fourth year of the project, 14 marine mammal species were observed, photographed and/or tracked and tags were deployed on animals of four different species (fin whale, Risso’s dolphin, and blue whale). We successfully conducted several controlled exposure experiments from smaller vessels and planned to work with Navy vessels engaged in training operations with real operational sonar. However, operational constraints and weather conditions were not favorable and we were unable to complete this phase of the field work. Valuable data was gathered regarding diving, foraging, social, and vocal behavior of focal marine mammal species. Download the full report, Biological and Behavioral Response Studies of Marine Mammals in Southern California, 2014 (“SOCAL‐14”) – Final Project Report (28 March 2015) or the SOCAL 14 project overview and objectives.
During the fourth year of the project, 14 marine mammal species were observed, photographed and/or tracked and tags were deployed on animals of four different species (fin whale, Risso’s dolphin, and blue whale). We successfully conducted several controlled exposure experiments from smaller vessels and planned to work with Navy vessels engaged in training operations with real operational sonar. However, operational constraints and weather conditions were not favorable and we were unable to complete this phase of the field work. Valuable data was gathered regarding diving, foraging, social, and vocal behavior of focal marine mammal species. Download the full report, Biological and Behavioral Response Studies of Marine Mammals in Southern California, 2014 (“SOCAL‐14”) – Final Project Report (28 March 2015) or the SOCAL 14 project overview and objectives.