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Presentation Abstract
Startling Seals to Save Salmon: Assessing effectiveness of an acoustic deterrent with a statistical application of CReSS-SALSA 2D This study presents the first implementation of a new acoustic deterrent, Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST) as a conservation tool to mitigate over-predation on an endangered population of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) by harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) at a vulnerable point along their migration path at the Ballard Locks in Seattle, Washington. The device was deployed for ten days, and trained observers recorded seal occurrence and behaviour in the study area while the device was on and off. A species distribution modelling technique called Complex Regional Spatial Smoother (CReSS) was applied to the spatial data with a Spatially Adaptive Localized Smoothing Algorithm (SALSA) to automate knot selection. The model was used to predict the probability of seal occurrence over the two-dimensional study area as a function of whether the TAST was on or off, and other smooth covariates. The model predicted that overall, seal presence probability did not change as a result of the TAST, but rather the spatial distribution of seals in the study area was further and more spread out when the device was on. This study demonstrates the TAST's effectiveness, and establishes its potential as a conservation tool for reducing seal predation intensity on an endangered population of Chinook salmon.
Session Title
Poster Session 1: Applied Research & Climate Change
Conference Track
SSE14: Posters
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2022 : Online)
Document Type
Event
SSEC Identifier
SSE-posters-307
Start Date
26-4-2022 4:00 PM
End Date
26-4-2022 4:30 PM
Type of Presentation
Poster
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events); posters
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Chinook salmon--Effect of predation on--Washington (State)--Seattle; Chinook salmon--Predators of--Control--Washington (State)--Seattle; Harbor seal--Effect of noise on--Washington (State)--Seattle; Harbor seal--Food--Washington (State)--Seattle; Underwater acoustics--Washington (State)--Seattle
Geographic Coverage
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Seattle, Wash.); Ballard (Seattle, Wash.); Seattle (Wash.)
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Included in
Fresh Water Studies Commons, Marine Biology Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons
Startling Seals to Save Salmon: Assessing effectiveness of an acoustic deterrent with a statistical application of CReSS-SALSA 2D
Startling Seals to Save Salmon: Assessing effectiveness of an acoustic deterrent with a statistical application of CReSS-SALSA 2D This study presents the first implementation of a new acoustic deterrent, Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST) as a conservation tool to mitigate over-predation on an endangered population of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) by harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) at a vulnerable point along their migration path at the Ballard Locks in Seattle, Washington. The device was deployed for ten days, and trained observers recorded seal occurrence and behaviour in the study area while the device was on and off. A species distribution modelling technique called Complex Regional Spatial Smoother (CReSS) was applied to the spatial data with a Spatially Adaptive Localized Smoothing Algorithm (SALSA) to automate knot selection. The model was used to predict the probability of seal occurrence over the two-dimensional study area as a function of whether the TAST was on or off, and other smooth covariates. The model predicted that overall, seal presence probability did not change as a result of the TAST, but rather the spatial distribution of seals in the study area was further and more spread out when the device was on. This study demonstrates the TAST's effectiveness, and establishes its potential as a conservation tool for reducing seal predation intensity on an endangered population of Chinook salmon.
