Vessel noise affects routine swimming and escape response of a coral reef fish.

Laura Velasquez Jimenez,Mark I. McCormick,Eric P. Fakan,Fraser Andrew Januchowski-Hartley

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0235742

Laura Velasquez Jimenez, Mark I. McCormick + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0235742

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Abstract

An increasing number of studies have shown that anthropogenic noise can negatively affect aspects of the anti-predator behaviour of reef fishes, potentially affecting fitness and survival. However, it has been suggested that effects could differ among noise sources. The present study compared two common sources of anthropogenic noise and investigated its effects on behavioural traits critical for fish survival. In a tank-based experiment we examined the effects of noise from 4-stroke motorboats and ships (bulk carriers > 50,000 tonnes) on the routine swimming and escape response of a coral reef fish, the whitetail damselfish (Pomacentrus chrysurus). Both 4-stroke boat and ship noise playbacks affected the fast-start response and routine swimming of whitetail damselfish, however the magnitude of the effects differed. Fish exposed to ship noise moved shorter distances and responded more slowly (higher response latency) to the startle stimulus compared to individuals under the 4-stroke noise treatment. Our study suggests that 4-stroke and ship noise can affect activity and escape response of individuals to a simulated predation threat, potentially compromising their anti-predator behaviour.

Highlights

Human activities are prevalent throughout marine environments
Acoustic analysis indicated that playback sound pressure levels of ambient noise in the tank were lower than 4-stroke motorboat and ship noise playback levels (Fig 3a)
Because the impact of the two vessel noise treatments is judged against the ambient control, this finding suggests that the results are likely to be conservative representations of the effects of vessel noise on the variables measured

Summary

Introduction

Human activities are prevalent throughout marine environments. These activities contribute significant amounts of noise to marine soundscapes, thereby increasing overall ambient sound levels [1,2,3]. In 2014, there were 90,000 recreational motorboats registered in Queensland and 9,619 ships transited through the Great Barrier Reef. These numbers are projected to increase by 500 per cent and 250 per cent respectively by 2040 [5]. Research on the effects of vessel noise on marine organisms is required to develop effective management policies

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