The impact of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) on marine mammals remains poorly documented despite their increasing use. In the high-Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard, where marine mammals face increasing pressure from climate change and expanding tourism, the use of RPAS remains largely unregulated. In this study we assessed the impacts of RPAS across a range of species to provide science-based management advice, using a variety of aircraft sizes and approach strategies. We explored RPAS sound levels and animal behavior prior to and after flights. Preexperimental alertness influenced sensitivity to disturbance notably. Harbor seals were more sensitive during prebreeding than during molting, reacting at distances of 80 m, whereas walruses responded at distances <50 m. Polar bears reacted to the sound of RPAS during take-off at 300 m, although response levels were relatively low. White whales reacted to the sight of RPAS when flown ahead of the pod, below 15 m. Variations in sound levels typical in overhead descents and manual flights increased disturbance potential more than RPAS size; preprogrammed flight paths are advised. Our study highlights factors that can influence sensitivity to RPAS including tidal state and swell, the presence of young individuals, ambient noise levels, and RPAS approach strategies.

中文翻译：

---

挪威斯瓦尔巴群岛的无人机和海洋哺乳动物

尽管远程驾驶飞机系统 (RPAS) 的使用越来越多，但其对海洋哺乳动物的影响仍然缺乏记录。在斯瓦尔巴群岛的高北极群岛，海洋哺乳动物面临着来自气候变化和旅游业扩张的越来越大的压力，RPAS 的使用在很大程度上仍然不受管制。在这项研究中，我们评估了遥控驾驶航空器系统对一系列物种的影响，以提供基于科学的管理建议，使用各种飞机尺寸和进近策略。我们在飞行前后探索了 RPAS 声级和动物行为。实验前的警觉性显着影响了对干扰的敏感性。斑海豹在预繁殖期间比蜕皮期间更敏感，在 80 m 的距离内作出反应，而海象在 <50 m 的距离内作出反应。北极熊在 300 m 处起飞时对 RPAS 的声音做出反应，虽然反应水平相对较低。白鲸在 15 m 以下的吊舱前方飞行时，对 RPAS 的视线作出反应。架空下降和手动飞行中典型的声级变化增加的干扰可能性超过 RPAS 大小；建议预先编程的飞行路径。我们的研究强调了可能影响 RPAS 敏感性的因素，包括潮汐状态和膨胀、年轻人的存在、环境噪声水平和 RPAS 方法策略。