Anthropogenic sources of underwater sound can modify how sediment-dwelling invertebrates mediate ecosystem properties

Abstract

Coastal and shelf environments support high levels of biodiversity that are vital in mediating ecosystem processes, but they are also subject to noise associated with mounting levels of offshore human activity. This has the potential to alter the way in which species interact with their environment, compromising the mediation of important ecosystem properties. Here, we show that exposure to underwater broadband sound fields that resemble offshore shipping and construction activity can alter sediment-dwelling invertebrate contributions to fluid and particle transport - key processes in mediating benthic nutrient cycling. Despite high levels of intra-specific variability in physiological response, we find that changes in the behaviour of some functionally important species can be dependent on the class of broadband sound (continuous or impulsive). Our study provides evidence that exposing coastal environments to anthropogenic sound fields is likely to have much wider ecosystem consequences than are presently acknowledged.

Underwater noise levels in UK waters

“…While a number of threshold levels for injury and disturbance have been proposed for acute noise exposure for particular taxa163940, uncertainty over the effects of noise at the ecosystem scale limits the ability to formulate absolute thresholds for ecologically sustainable noise levels. Efforts to address this knowledge gap will need to consider the differential susceptibility to noise exposure thus far observed among different taxa4142, the complexities of secondary and indirect effects of noise on ecosystem functioning2526, and the differing physical properties of sound that aquatic species use to hear43. Until these uncertainties are addressed, progress can be made by establishing monitoring programmes to track levels of noise pollution, and by ensuring that metrics used to describe noise levels are pertinent to assessing the risk of impact to marine life.…”

“…Although continuous noise sources are typically less intense than impulsive sources, the pervasive presence of continuous noise from shipping could lead to more significant and widespread effects224. This is of particular concern given that vessel noise can affect species that mediate important ecosystem functions25, as well as altering predator-prey dynamics26.…”

Population‐level consequences of seismic surveys on fishes: An interdisciplinary challenge

“…Finally, although matters become increasingly complex with scaling up to population, community and even ecosystem level (Figure ), we believe these steps are essential. Not only has it become clear that the evaluation of sound impact should look beyond single‐species effects (Francis et al., ), but there are also already terrestrial and marine reports on noise‐induced habitat modification through the effects on the local animal community (Francis, Kleist, Ortega, & Cruz, ; Solan et al., ). The Marine Strategy Framework Directive of the EU already talks about “Good Environmental Status,” which obviously concerns ecosystem level.…”

“…displacement from an area or lowered feeding efficiency). Upscaling from population to community level occurs through disturbing effects on predator‐prey interactions (Shafiei Sabet et al., ) and other inter‐specific effects such as competitive release (Hubert et al., ; Slabbekoorn & Halfwerk, ) or through noise‐induced habitat alterations (Solan et al., ). Habitat‐related stressors and cumulative effects from other factors than sound pollution are the link between communities and ecosystems (Carroll et al., ; Hawkins et al., ; Jones, ) [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]…”

Environmental Impacts of the Deep-Water Oil and Gas Industry: A Review to Guide Management Strategies

“…For example, significant developmental delays and body malformations have been recorded in scallop larvae exposed to seismic pulses (de Soto et al, 2013). Exposure to underwater broadband sound fields that resemble offshore shipping and construction activity can also influence the activity and behavior of key bioturbating species in sediments (Solan et al, 2016). Operations at oil fields introduce considerable amounts of artificial light (e.g., electric lighting, gas flares) that can potentially affect ecological processes in the upper ocean, such as diel vertical migration of plankton (Moore et al, 2000).…”