Noise pollution in marine ecosystems has increased during the last decades. In the Pacific Ocean, like in other ocean basins, the most continuous anthropogenic source that contributes to the ambient acoustic environment is maritime transport. Noise produced by ships reduces the communication space of marine species and has various immediate and chronic effects. The study area for this project was the Gulf of Tribugá – a breeding ground for one of the humpback whale distinct population segments. The goal of the project was to quantify the contribution of humpback whale sounds and other acoustic sources to the soundscape, as well as to document the baseline soundscape. Acoustic samples were recorded at Morro Mico and Nuquí in 2018 and 2019. Both sites were dominated by biophony. In 2019, humpback whale song activity (minutes with song activity) peaked in the mornings at the Morro Mico site and in the evenings at the Nuquí site. This study has revealed that the Gulf of Tribugá demonstrates relatively lower presence of acoustic pollution generated by boats in comparison to other documented oceanic regions. Nonetheless, it is advisable to avoid increasing boat traffic during peak times of the humpback whale song cycle and tailored to the specific site. 

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10417-6_133-1