Passive Acoustic Monitoring and Mapping of Vessel Visitation at an Australian Fur Seal Breeding Colony

ABSTRACT Marine vessel traffic is a significant contributor to anthropogenic noise pollution and a source of disturbance for many marine species. It is important to assess the impact of vessel visitation and the number of potential disturbance events at sensitive marine sites to ensure management strategies are adequate. This study integrated passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), direct visual observation, and vessel traffic data to monitor vessel visitation at Seal Rocks, the largest Australian fur seal ( Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus ) breeding colony and site with the least stringent vessel approach limits. Vessel visitation was compared between the assumed low (off‐peak) and high (peak) visitation seasons. Visual observations were also used to map visitation around the colony and determine breaches of approach regulations. Vessel visitation and the associated noise were significantly higher in the peak season and direct visual observations showed that breaches of approach regulations were common (32%), highlighting the need for improved education and enforcement of compliance at the site. This study provides important context for assessing the impact of vessel noise and visitation at Seal Rocks and can be applied to conservation and management strategies at this and other sensitive marine sites.