Non-lethal efforts to deter shark predation of Hawaiian monk seal pups

Published source details Gobush K.S. & Farry S.C. (2012) Non-lethal efforts to deter shark predation of Hawaiian monk seal pups. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 22, 751-761.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Use deterrents to reduce predation on marine and freshwater mammals by native species Action Link

Use deterrents to reduce predation on marine and freshwater mammals by native species

A controlled study in 2009 at two small islands in the North Pacific Ocean, Hawaii, USA (Gobush & Farry 2012) found that two types of deterrent (boat motor sounds or a continuous human presence) did not reduce Galapagos shark Carcharhinus galapagensis predation on Hawaiian monk seal Monachus schauinslandi pups. The total number of predation events did not differ significantly when boat motor sounds were played (0 events) or when humans were continuously present (2 events) compared to when no deterrent was used (4 events). However, the authors state that shark presence was low at both sites throughout the study (12 sharks observed at one site, number not reported for the other). In May–August 2006, the two deterrent treatments and a control (no deterrent) were rotated weekly between two sites. Deterrents were boat motor sounds played back through underwater speakers (with or without a boat anchored nearby) or 1–2 people camping on the island for ≥23 h/day. Surveyors recorded shark predation events (bite wounds, pups disappearing) at both sites every 1–3 days in May–August 2006. Video cameras recorded shark presence at one site for a total of 57 days.

(Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)