Impacts of Vessel Noise on Chinook Salmon and the Marine Soundscape – Kelsie Murchie
Note that this month’s Marine presentation is on the third Thursday, February 20.
The increase in human generated sound over the last 60 years has led to concerns regarding the impact of vessel noise on marine species in the Northeast Pacific, including the Southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca), Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), and Pacific herring (Clupea pallasaii). Behavioral changes have been documented in response to anthropogenic activities for some species marine species, including Southern resident killer whales and Pacific herring, but there has been little research on the impacts of vessels on Chinook salmon. The work explored in this talk will demonstrate the impact of anchored vessels on the ocean soundscape and the behavioral changes of an important species, Chinook salmon, to these vessels.
Kelsie Murchy is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Victoria, with a focus on underwater sounds, their contribution to the marine soundscape, and impacts on key marine species. Kelsie completed her MSc at the University of Minnesota in 2016 where she studied the use of underwater sound to deter movement in invasive carp. Kelsie then moved to Canada in 2018 to complete her PhD at the University of Victoria where she examined the impacts of vessel noise on Chinook salmon. Kelsie’s current research examines Arctic fish sounds production to understand fish movement patterns with changing environmental conditions. Overall, she is interested in using sound to help protect marine species and limit the impact of humans on our beautiful ecosystems.
On the Monday preceding the event, Nature Vancouver members will receive the Zoom link in the weekly e-News. The talk will begin at 7:30 pm. Non-members are welcome and should Email enews@NatureVancouver.ca a few days ahead to register for the link.