Underwater noise in an impacted environment can affect Guiana dolphin communication

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 114; no. 2; pp. 1130 - 1134
• Main Authors: Bittencourt, Lis, Lima, Isabela M.S., Andrade, Luciana G., Carvalho, Rafael R., Bisi, Tatiana L., Lailson-Brito, José, Azevedo, Alexandre F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 30-01-2017
• Subjects: Acoustic behavior; Animal Communication; Animals; Brazil; Dolphins - physiology; Noise - adverse effects; Noise pollution; Sound Spectrography; Vocalization, Animal; Whistles; Noise pollution; Acoustic behavior; Whistles
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.037

This study focused on whistles produced by Guiana dolphin under different noise conditions in Guanabara Bay, southeastern Brazil. Recording sessions were performed with a fully calibrated recording system. Whistles and underwater noise levels registered during two behavioral states were compared separately between two areas. Noise levels differed between the two areas across all frequencies. Whistle duration differed between areas and was negatively correlated with noise levels. Whistling rate was positively correlated with noise levels, showing that whistling rate was higher in noisier conditions. Results demonstrated that underwater noise influenced Guiana dolphin acoustic behavior.
•Acoustic parameters of Guiana dolphin whistles were investigated in relation to noise levels.•Guiana dolphin whistles were shorter in areas with higher noise levels.•Guiana dolphins emitted more whistles when in noisier situations.•Guiana dolphin strategies to avoid masking varies with behavior.