Updated methodology to assess behavioral effects of explosive training events on bottlenose dolphins in coastal Virginia waters

About

U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) training events have the potential to affect marine mammals. The EOD team locates simulated underwater mines and “neutralizes” them using an explosive charge. Acoustic and visual monitoring for marine mammals conducted during these events since 2009 for baseline occurrence data. A new approach to the project consists of conducting focal follows as well as acoustic monitoring (only during event days.)