Researchers testing effects of sound waves on whales

Groundbreaking research is underway on Queensland's Sunshine Coast to find out how humpback whales react to sound waves from undersea oil and gas exploration. More than 50 whale researchers from 14 countries are conducting a five week study at Peregian Beach.

Dr Michael Noad from the University of Queensland says researchers are using seismic airguns to fire compressed air into the ocean. "What we're really interested in is working out whether these noises really annoy the whales," he said. "If they do annoy the whales how can we change the way the oil industry use these things so that they annoy the whales less.

"It's about better management and outcomes for the whales."

source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/10/05/3029860.htm?section=justin