Assessing the effect of aquatic noise on fish behavior and physiology: a meta-analysis approach

Due to the extreme distance that sounds can travel through water, many marine species rely on the soundscape for auditory information regarding predator or prey locations, communication, and habitat selection. These species not only take advantage of the prevailing sounds but also contribute to the soundscape through their own vocalizations. Certain sounds have been shown to have negative effects on marine species, resulting in disrupted communication and unbalanced predator-prey interactions. Unfortunately, the vast majority of soundscape studies are biased towards marine mammals, and only recently has attention been directed towards the potential repercussions for fishes. In an attempt to determine the implications that changes to the soundscape may have on the fishes, a meta-analysis was conducted focusing primarily on the role that anthropogenic noises may play in altering fish behavior and physiology. The review identified 3,174 potentially relevant papers of which were 27 used. The analysis indicates that anthropogenic noise has an adverse effect on marine and freshwater fish behavior and physiology. These findings suggest that although certain species may be more susceptible to anthropogenic noise than others, the vast majority of fish have the potential to be negatively affected by noise pollution.