PROBABLE ACOUSTIC RECORDINGS OF SPERM WHALES (PHYSETER MACROCEPHALUS) ALONG THE NORTH ANTRIM COAST, NORTHERN IRELAND

Despite increasing numbers of stranding events of sperm whales in the British Ides, to date relatively little is known about the population status of these whales in the North Atlantic. Acoustic survevs of this deep-water species are advantageous over visual surveys as they have a greater detection range, can operate 24 hours a day in most weather conditions and are less affected by observer subjectivity. An acoustic survey to assess potential monitoring sites was carried out on the North Antrim coast of Northern Ireland, where sperm whale clicks were successfully detected and recorded. This study identifies potential for future acoustic monitoring of whales off the north coast of Ireland and highlights the potential value of the technique in population studies.