Orca predation acoustic prevention system

The number of reports of whale depredation on longline commercial fishing vessels in Alaska has significantly increased during the last few years. Whale depredation has resulted in great economic loss for the fishing industry and at the same time raise the chances of serious injury to predators by longline gear. Several reports on the instances of whale predation in the immediate commercial fishing area suggest that whales are attracted to certain vessels. It is postulated that the whales are attracted to certain sounds that are associated with longline fishing activity. Using available hydroacoustic technology, The author would collect and analyze passive acoustic data during instances of killer whale predation on longline gear to determine if there are persistent acoustic phenomena that are present during killer whale depredation. This information would then be used to develop strategies that would prevent whale predation on longline gear.