Please respond to him, not to me. --Dave Mellinger
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FORTHCOMING WORKSHOP ON ACTIVE SONAR AND CETACEANS
Active sonar, operating with sound source levels of up to 245 dB re
1=B5Pa @ 1 m at frequencies mainly between 1 and 150 kHz, is frequently
used for fish-finding, oceanography, charting and in military
activities (for example locating submarines). Over the last six
years, concern has been expressed over the potential impact these
sounds may have upon cetaceans (particularly odontocetes like beaked
whales), and post mortem studies of mass stranded animals in the
Bahamas and, most recently, in the Canaries have revealed multifocal
haemorrhaging and ear damage. The purpose of this workshop is to
bring together whale biologists, pathologists, acousticians, and
other representatives of the disciplines involved, to objectively
review the existing evidence and, where detrimental effects are
implicated, to identify possible mitigation measures. Attention will
be given to species involved and any characteristics that may make
them especially vulnerable, as well as to the nature of the sound
source (sound levels, peak frequencies, usage, oceanographic
conditions). If possible, a standardized protocol for dealing with
potential future strandings will be developed, and research needs
(such as controlled experiments) reviewed. And, finally, a list of
recommended actions should be prepared for: a) cetacean scientists;
b) government agencies; c) fisheries scientists and oceanographers;
and d) the military. These might include guidelines for adoption
before and during a sonar experiment, design of a standardized EIA
model including investigation of the feasibility for time-area
closures, and possible technological modifications of the sonar.
The workshop will take place from 09:00-18:00 on Saturday 8th March
2003 at the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Convention Centre (Auditorio
Alfredo Kraus) in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, immediately before the
start of the 17th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society.
=46or those wishing to attend or offer a talk at this workshop, please
contact Dr Peter Evans at: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, including
a short paragraph on how your background experience relates to the
topic. There is limited space available. The deadline for
applications is 1st February.
A programme will be posted to attendees by the middle of February.
Please note that to obtain early registration fee reduction for the
ECS Conference, the closing date is today - 17th January. Further
details about the ECS Conference can be found at either of these web
sites:
(<a href="http://web.inter.nl.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs/";
rel="nofollow">http://web.inter.nl.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs/</a>) or on the
Conference web site (<a href="http://www.uicmm.ulpgc.es";
rel="nofollow">http://www.uicmm.ulpgc.es</a>).
The ECS Conference Theme is "MARINE MAMMALS AND SOUND". The theme
allows presentations on the use of sounds to monitor, localise and
identify marine mammals in their environment, the morphological and
physiological aspects of sound production and reception, the
mechanisms of communication and echolocation as well as the effects
of natural and anthropogenic noise on cetacean behaviour, health and
conservation. As usual, papers on all aspects of the biology,
management and conservation of cetaceans and marine mammals in
general will be included in the programme.
--
Dr Peter GH Evans
Director
Sea Watch Foundation
36 Windmill Road
Headington
Oxford 0X3 7BX
Tel: 44-(0)1865-764794
Fax: 44 -(0)1865-764757
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Website: <a href="http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk";
rel="nofollow">http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk</a>
Home address:
11 Jersey Road
Oxford 0X4 4RT
Tel: 01865-717276
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