The project found that SRKW display behavioural reactions to vessel noise, alter their vocalizations to overcome increased noise levels, and are affected by masking when in proximity to vessels. With vessel traffic expected to double by 2030, these effects could prevent the recovery of the SRKW population, currently down to 75 individuals.
Building on their results, Lauren and the NEMES team developed geovisualization tools which focus on mapping exposure hotspots, computing probabilistic levels of exposure, and identifying alternative shipping routes that would minimize exposure for cetacean species. These tools will assist marine managers and planners in adopting and implementing adaptive noise management strategies.
In December 2019, Lauren presented some of the initial findings to over 3,000 scientists at the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona.