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Marine biologists in Australia recommend noise thresholds for whale watching tourist boats.
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
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The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.
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