Oceanography and underwater acoustics in Resolute Bay, Nunavut: 2012-2015
Date
2016-07-12
Authors
O'Neill, Caitlin
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Abstract
Resolute Bay, a remote Arctic bay opening into Parry Channel, in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, hosts diverse populations of marine mammals and fish at various times each year. These animals migrate through the bay following patterns linked to food availability and oceanographic conditions; however, these patterns are not well understood. The focus of this study was to measure the oceanographic properties of the waters in and around Resolute Bay and to record underwater sounds to obtain marine mammal temporal patterns and ambient sound levels. Results showed the water properties in Resolute Bay differed from the waters outside of the bay. Dissolved oxygen saturation levels in Resolute Bay decreased during ice-covered times, with lowest levels between May and July. Dissolved oxygen was replenished after the ice left the bay. Sudden changes in salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were observed in Resolute Bay when outside waters entered. Mean third-octave band sound pressure levels were 85.3 dB re 1 μPa during high ice concentration, and 95.6 dB re 1 μPa during ice-free and freeze-up periods, and reached a maximum of 145.3 dB re 1 μPa when vessels were present. Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) and narwhals (Monodon monocero) were only present in periods of low ice concentration, while bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) and ringed seals (Pusa hispida) remained throughout the entire year.
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Arctic, Underwater Acoustics, Oceanography, Resolute Bay, Canadian Arctic, ambient sound, marine mammal vocalizations