May 2010 - Fish sounds and anthropogenic noise
Leiden researchers have published an important literature review in Trends of Ecology and Evolution (TREE), one of the leading journals in the field. In the review, they call for attention for the role of underwater sound in the life of fishes and the potentially negative impact of anthropogenic noise.
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The paper was spearheaded by IBL-researcher Hans Slabbekoorn, in collaboration with Dutch researchers affiliated with institutes in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, and with one of the early pioneers in underwater acoustics and fish hearing: Prof. Arthur Popper from the University of Maryland, USA.
- Fish sounds and anthropogenic noise
The TREE-review reports that sound can be important to fish and that a global rise in artificial noise levels underwater may have negative consequences for individuals as well as populations. Although sonar, pile driving, and explosions typically attract most attention, it is very reasonable to argue that the greater impact on fish will be from less intense sounds that are of longer duration and potentially affect whole ecosystems. Importantly, the current lack of insight impedes our ability to make predictions about the effects of anthropogenic noise on fish. The authors of the review in TREE argue that insight could be gained by using data obtained in studies on various terrestrial animals. Furthermore, they suggest that the investigations needed most include those of noise-dependent distribution and reproduction as well as investigations of masking of sounds used for communication, orientation, or detection of predators and prey. Insight showing that some species are affected by sounds but others not, that some sounds are detrimental but others not, or that noise causes trouble within some periods but not in others, may all yield opportunities for mitigation with significant ecological implications at relatively low costs. Several lines of research needs and opportunities are outlined in the review.
The review has appeared on line ahead of print.
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A sampler of fish acoustics: Freshwater carp (Cyprinus carpio) have a specially evolved internal structure (Weberian apparatus) which contributes to relatively advanced hearing capacities (top left). The location of the lateral line system, through which fish can also perceive underwater vibrations is clearly visible in white in the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua, top right). The hearing range of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) extends into the infrasonic which may be used for predator or prey detection or soundscape orientation. Eel are also reported to produce sounds, which remains unexplored but may be critical during the thousands of kilometres long migratory route from freshwater habitat to mid-ocean spawning aggregations (bottom left). The hearing range of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) goes up to several thousand Hz which may help them to detect echolocating dolphins searching for fish prey (bottom right). Images courtesy of A. Kingdon, D. Craasmann, and J. Herder.
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