Behavioural Response of Australian Humpback whales to Seismic Surveys

The JIP-funded Behavioural Response of Australian Humpback whales to Seismic Surveys (BRAHSS) has helped to pioneer research into humpback whales’ behavioural and vocal responses to seismic surveys. Prior to the BRAHSS study, there was no data on hearing sensitivity or the behavioural responses of large whales to airgun sound.

The most current reports of this ongoing study have recently being published:

•  A report that explores response of humpback whales to ramp-up of a small experimental air gun array.
• A report into the behavioural response of humpback whales to a 20 cubic inch air gun.

This research is helping to improve the scientific understanding of E&P activity on humpback whales and also helping to refine additional techniques to further reduce potential impact on whales.