7 November 2013

'Beached Whales: Is Human Noise Responsible?' - Cafe Science double bill next week

Whales and dolphins that have strayed from safety and beached are a regular feature of news broadcasts, but could humans be responsible for the plight of these unfortunate sea giants?

That's a question that Dr Stacy DeRuiter from the University of St Andrews will be asking at a special Cafe Science double bill taking place next week. She will give a talk, entitled, 'Beached Whales: Is Human Noise Responsible?' at Dundee Science Centre on Wednesday, 13th November before returning to the same subject at Harbour Cafe, Tayport the following evening.

Dr DeRuiter is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling at St Andrews. In order to discover the reasons why so many whales and marine mammals perish on beaches, she has conducted research that follows individual whales using sound- and movement-recording tags and investigates what happens if these animals are exposed to sonar sounds.

'Every year the news reports that large groups of whales and dolphins are beaching and dying on beaches across the world,' Dr DeRuiter explained. 'Whilst the majority of these tragic events have natural causes, evidence also suggests that exposure to sounds such as naval sonar can cause some groups of marine mammals to beach.

'Conservation groups have a strong interest in understanding the problem and reducing the number of whale deaths by beaching. In my talk, I will explain how my colleagues and I have carried out our experiments, how the data from observation of a small number of whales can be interpreted, and finally how the results should inform whale conservation and management.'

Cafe Science was launched in January 2008, and has attracted over 5000 visitors since then. The monthly events are informal discussions led by leading local researchers that allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the ground-breaking science happening in Dundee. Led by the University of Dundee's Public Outreach team, the Cafe Science series also features guest speakers such as Dr DeRuiter.

'Beached Whales: Is Human Noise Responsible?' takes place at Dundee Science Centre from 6pm on Wednesday, 13th November and at Harbour Cafe in Tayport at 7pm on Thursday 14th. Both talks are part of Dundee Science Festival.

Entry to both events is free, and open to all. Places are limited so it is advised that visitors arrive early to avoid disappointment.

For more information, please visit www.cafesciencedundee.co.uk.

Notes to editors:

Dundee Science Festival, which runs from Saturday 2nd until Sunday 17th November 2013, is a celebration of science within Dundee and surrounding areas, providing fun, entertainment, inspiration and curiosity for all ages. Last year, over 14,000 people took part, with visitors enjoying events throughout Dundee, Angus, Perthshire, Fife and beyond.

Dundee Science Festival is supported by the Scottish Government, University of Dundee, Dundee City Council and EventScotland. Other supporters include Medical Research Council, Skills Development Scotland, Edina Trust and The Gannochy Trust.

For more information on Dundee Science Festival, and to book events, visit www.dundeesciencefestival.org.

Alternatively, you can contact the Dundee Science Festival team via email dundeesciencefestival@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk or telephone 01382 228800.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277