Noise-Dependent Fish Distribution in Kelp Beds

Abstract

The marine marbled rockfish Sebastiscus marmoratus is dependent on kelp beds and rocks for survival and reproduction. We found that sound production and hearing sensitivity in S. marmoratus are closely matched in the frequency domain. We also found that the juvenile rockfish prefers the habitat of the larger macroalgae Sargassum horueri rather than the habitat containing the smaller algae Ulva pertusa where the adult rockfish prefers to live. Our underwater noise recording data from these two habitats indicate that their spectra of the background noise have different values. The results suggest that the acoustic cues may be critical for pelagic larvae when selecting the preferential habitat in which to settle.

Potential effects of underwater noise from wind turbines on the marbled rockfish (Sebasticus marmoratus)

“…Much research has been conducted to determine the effect of anthropogenic noises on mammals and fish (Cox et al., 2018; Kunc & Schmid, 2019; Melcón et al., 2012; Popper & Hastings, 2009). Most studies have shown that anthropogenic noise can affect the behavior of marine wildlife which can consequently have detrimental effects on population and marine ecosystems (González et al., 2019; Hammar et al., 2014; Kight & Swaddle, 2011; Radford et al., 2014; Smott et al., 2018; Zhang et al., 2016).…”

Characteristics of auditory brainstem response in wild yellow grouper Epinephelus awoara

“…If the evoked waveform shows a waveform independent of the phase of the stimulus sound and the amplitude is below 1000nv, it indicates that the potential change is correct ABR waveform. In theory, the sound signals of opposite phases superimposing each other can eliminate the interference of the ambient noises in the ABR waveform (Zhang et al, 2016). However, due to experimental conditions, such as the resonance of the experimental tank and the reflection of the sound, etc., some noises cannot be completely eliminated after superposition, and there are still some residuals of the noises, but the characteristics of the sound artifacts are that the wave fluctuations are parallel to the baseline.…”

“…Under the premise of ensuring fish's respiration, first anesthetize with 3-Aminobenzoic acid ethyl ester methanesulfonate to reduce the respiratory rate, and then inject a certain concentration of gal iodide solution to avoid the noise potential produced by large-area contraction of fish muscles, but not block the ganglion and releasing histamine (Zhang et al, 2015;Zhang et al, 2016).…”