“We’re interested in trying to figure out if the noise levels are interfering with the whale’s ability to communicate effectively during foraging and or actually interferes with their foraging.”
http://earthfix.opb.org/water/article/do-you-hear-what-i-hear-recording-orcas-underwater/
A great information sheet looking at using DTAGs to study acoustics and behaviour of Southern resident orca of the Pacific Northwest - biologists are hoping to examine sound exposure, sound use and behaviour:
“We’re interested in trying to figure out if the noise levels [of water craft] are interfering with the whale’s ability to communicate effectively during foraging and or actually interferes with their foraging.”
The DTAG has a variety of sensors including a hydrophone, to record received sound levels at the whale, and accelerometers to record their 3D movements under water. It is attached by suctions cups to the skin of the whale for a few hours before release at a pre-set time. It then floats for recovery.
http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/kws/dtagging.htm
Here's a video and description of the suction-cup tagging by NOAA to get dive and acoustic data on Southern resident orca of the Pacific Northwest.
http://earthfix.opb.org/flora-and-fauna/article/unlocking-the-secrets-and-sounds-of-orcas-underwat/