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Effects of Sounds From Seismic Air Guns on Fish Behavior and Catch Rates

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The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 730))

Abstract

Seismic surveys are performed to explore for oil and gas resources. During these surveys, air guns are discharged about every 10-15 s and sound pulses with a short rise time and very high peak sound pressure level (SPL) are emitted (source levels at ∼250 dB re 1 µPa). Concerns have been raised about the impacts of seismic air gun emissions on marine life, and fishermen in particular claim that seismic surveys have a serious negative influence on fish distribution and commercial catch rates due to avoidance responses.

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Correspondence to Svein Løkkeborg .

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Løkkeborg, S., Ona, E., Vold, A., Salthaug, A. (2012). Effects of Sounds From Seismic Air Guns on Fish Behavior and Catch Rates. In: Popper, A.N., Hawkins, A. (eds) The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 730. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-7311-5_95

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