Summary
An acoustic device designed to deter false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) from approaching longlines by reducing the whales' echolocation performance capabilities was tested on a trained false killer whale. The device, Longline Saver, produced a series of complex, broadband signals (1-250 kHz) at high intensity levels (up to 182 dB). The whale was asked to detect a target in the presence or absence of the acoustic device. Initially, the device reduced the whale's echolocation performance to chance levels, however subsequent trials demonstrated improvement in echolocation.