Studying the effect of camera tag associated white light on the diving and foraging behavior of Eastern Caribbean sperm whales

TY - JOUR

T1 - Studying the effect of camera tag associated white light on the diving and foraging behavior of Eastern Caribbean sperm whales

AU - Tønnesen, Pernille Thusbøll

AU - Gero, Shane

PY - 2024/1

Y1 - 2024/1

N2 - Studying the behavior of animals roaming the deep-sea is challenging and is driven by technological developments. The next step to further understand the interactions between predators and prey in the deep sea may be aided by animal-borne camera tags. However, in the darkness of the deep sea, obtaining useful footage requires a light source, which may affect the animal carrying the tag as well as other nearby organisms such as prey. Here we have tested whether the presence of camera associated white light affects the foraging behavior of sperm whales in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. Based on a small dataset of 7 foraging dives with camera lights on, we observed no changes in diving behavior and overall biosonar search behavior. However, we did observed indications of fewer prey capture attempts, which may be due to light induced prey deterrence. For short camera tag deployments this likely does not affect the long term fitness of the whales. However, this effect should be considered and monitored for longer camera tag deployments. Importantly, different deep-sea communities may react differently, we therefore wish to highlight the importance of testing whether research equipment affects the studied animal and its surroundings.

AB - Studying the behavior of animals roaming the deep-sea is challenging and is driven by technological developments. The next step to further understand the interactions between predators and prey in the deep sea may be aided by animal-borne camera tags. However, in the darkness of the deep sea, obtaining useful footage requires a light source, which may affect the animal carrying the tag as well as other nearby organisms such as prey. Here we have tested whether the presence of camera associated white light affects the foraging behavior of sperm whales in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. Based on a small dataset of 7 foraging dives with camera lights on, we observed no changes in diving behavior and overall biosonar search behavior. However, we did observed indications of fewer prey capture attempts, which may be due to light induced prey deterrence. For short camera tag deployments this likely does not affect the long term fitness of the whales. However, this effect should be considered and monitored for longer camera tag deployments. Importantly, different deep-sea communities may react differently, we therefore wish to highlight the importance of testing whether research equipment affects the studied animal and its surroundings.

KW - Animal-borne biologging

KW - Deep-sea technology

KW - Phototaxis

KW - Predator-prey interactions

KW - Underwater video

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85178184696&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.dsr.2023.104200

DO - 10.1016/j.dsr.2023.104200

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0967-0637

VL - 203

JO - Deep-Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers

JF - Deep-Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers

M1 - 104200

ER -