This investigation set out to obtain data on the ecology, foraging and acoustic behavior of Chilean blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the Gulf of Corcovado, which is an important feeding ground. We deployed 17 suction cup attached sound and orientation recording tags (DTAGs) on blue whales in 2014-16, for a total duration of 124h 08 min. Acoustic data on the tags revealed a variety of different calls. These included SEP2 (Southeast Pacific) song, previously described in this area, as well as other call types not previously described for Chilean blue whales. Downsweep calls similar to those described for other blue whale populations were observed on several tags, as were various other less stereotyped calls. We are currently working on characterizing these call types and also on using the accelerometers to identify calls from the tagged animal. Tag data will prove useful for interpretation of data collected in this area from passive acoustic monitors (PAM), both for species identification and possibly also density estimation. Overall, this work has the potential to greatly increase knowledge of the biology, ecology and behavior of blue whales in the Gulf of Corcovado.
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10 July 2016
Fourth International Conference on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life
10–16 July 2016
Dublin, Ireland
October 21 2016
DTAG studies of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the Gulf of Corcovado, Chile
Alessandro Bocconcelli
;
Alessandro Bocconcelli
1Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering,
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
, Woods Hole, MA, USA
; abocconcelli@whoi.edu
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Leigh Hickmott;
Leigh Hickmott
2Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute,
University of St. Andrews
, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
;3
Open Ocean Consulting
, 2 Borough House, 72 Borough Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3LF, UK
; leighhickmott@theopenocean.co.uk
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Gustavo Chiang;
Gustavo Chiang
4
Fundación MERI
, Av. Kennedy 5682, piso 2, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile
; gchiang@fundacionmeri.cl, pbahamonde@fundacionmeri.cl, gloria@fundacionmeri.cl, rafaela.landea@gmail.com
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Paulina Bahamonde;
Paulina Bahamonde
4
Fundación MERI
, Av. Kennedy 5682, piso 2, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile
; gchiang@fundacionmeri.cl, pbahamonde@fundacionmeri.cl, gloria@fundacionmeri.cl, rafaela.landea@gmail.com
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Gloria Howes;
Gloria Howes
4
Fundación MERI
, Av. Kennedy 5682, piso 2, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile
; gchiang@fundacionmeri.cl, pbahamonde@fundacionmeri.cl, gloria@fundacionmeri.cl, rafaela.landea@gmail.com
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Rafaela Landea-Briones;
Rafaela Landea-Briones
4
Fundación MERI
, Av. Kennedy 5682, piso 2, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile
; gchiang@fundacionmeri.cl, pbahamonde@fundacionmeri.cl, gloria@fundacionmeri.cl, rafaela.landea@gmail.com
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Mark Saddler;
Mark Saddler
6Department of Biology,
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
, Woods Hole, MA, USA
; mark.saddler@sbcglobal.net, lsayigh@whoi.edu
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Laela Sayigh
Laela Sayigh
6Department of Biology,
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
, Woods Hole, MA, USA
; mark.saddler@sbcglobal.net, lsayigh@whoi.edu
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Proc. Mtgs. Acoust. 27, 040002 (2016)
Article history
Received:
August 15 2016
Accepted:
September 20 2016
Citation
Alessandro Bocconcelli, Leigh Hickmott, Gustavo Chiang, Paulina Bahamonde, Gloria Howes, Rafaela Landea-Briones, Francesco Caruso, Mark Saddler, Laela Sayigh; DTAG studies of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the Gulf of Corcovado, Chile. Proc. Mtgs. Acoust. 10 July 2016; 27 (1): 040002. https://doi.org/10.1121/2.0000269
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