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Gairin E, Bertucci F, Roux N, Minier L, Berthe C, Waqalevu V, Maueau T, Sturny V, Sang GT, Mills SC, Lecchini D. Coral reef fish density at a tourist destination responded rapidly to COVID-19 restrictions. Oecologia 2024:10.1007/s00442-024-05589-w. [PMID: 39004619 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-024-05589-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Throughout the world, anthropogenic pressure on natural ecosystems is intensifying, notably through urbanisation, economic development, and tourism. Coral reefs have become exposed to stressors related to tourism. To reveal the impact of human activities on fish communities, we used COVID-19-related social restrictions in 2021. In French Polynesia, from February to December 2021, there was a series of restrictions on local activities and international tourism. We assessed the response of fish populations in terms of changes in the species richness and density of fish in the lagoon of Bora-Bora (French Polynesia). We selected sites with varying human pressures-some dedicated to tourism activities, others affected by boat traffic, and control sites with little human presence. Underwater visual surveys demonstrated that fish density and richness differed spatially and temporally. They were lowest on sites affected by boat traffic regardless of pandemic-related restrictions, and when activities were authorised; they were highest during lockdowns. Adult fish density increased threefold on sites usually affected by boat traffic during lockdowns and increased 2.7-fold on eco-tourism sites during international travel bans. Human activities are major drivers of fish density and species richness spatially across the lagoon of Bora-Bora but also temporally across pandemic-related restrictions, with dynamic responses to different restrictions. These results highlight the opportunity provided by pauses in human activities to assess their impact on the environment and confirm the need for sustainable lagoon management in Bora-Bora and similar coral reef settings affected by tourism and boat traffic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Gairin
- Marine Eco-Evo-Devo Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami District, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Frédéric Bertucci
- UMR MARBEC, University of Montpellier-CNRS-IFREMER-IRD, 87 Av. Jean Monnet, CS 30171, 34203, Sète Cedex, France
| | - Natacha Roux
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Perpignan, France
| | - Lana Minier
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, UAR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013, 98729, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
- Polynésienne Des Eaux, Vaitape, Bora-Bora, French Polynesia
| | - Cécile Berthe
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, UAR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013, 98729, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - Viliame Waqalevu
- Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tehani Maueau
- Association Ia Vai Ma Noa Bora-Bora, 98730, Bora-Bora, French Polynesia
| | - Vincent Sturny
- Polynésienne Des Eaux, Vaitape, Bora-Bora, French Polynesia
| | - Gaston Tong Sang
- Town Hall, Commune de Bora-Bora, Vaitape, 98730, Bora-Bora, French Polynesia
| | - Suzanne C Mills
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Perpignan, France
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, UAR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013, 98729, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - David Lecchini
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Perpignan, France
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, UAR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013, 98729, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
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Hubert J, Demuynck JM, Remmelzwaal MR, Muñiz C, Debusschere E, Berges B, Slabbekoorn H. An experimental sound exposure study at sea: No spatial deterrence of free-ranging pelagic fisha). THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2024; 155:1151-1161. [PMID: 38341743 DOI: 10.1121/10.0024720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Acoustic deterrent devices are used to guide aquatic animals from danger or toward migration paths. At sea, moderate sounds can potentially be used to deter fish to prevent injury or death due to acoustic overexposure. In sound exposure studies, acoustic features can be compared to improve deterrence efficacy. In this study, we played 200-1600 Hz pulse trains from a drifting vessel and investigated changes in pelagic fish abundance and behavior by utilizing echosounders and hydrophones mounted to a transect of bottom-moored frames. We monitored fish presence and tracked individual fish. This revealed no changes in fish abundance or behavior, including swimming speed and direction of individuals, in response to the sound exposure. We did find significant changes in swimming depth of individually tracked fish, but this could not be linked to the sound exposures. Overall, the results clearly show that pelagic fish did not flee from the current sound exposures, and we found no clear changes in behavior due to the sound exposure. We cannot rule out that different sounds at higher levels elicit a deterrence response; however, it may be that pelagic fish are just more likely to respond to sound with (short-lasting) changes in school formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Hubert
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Carlota Muñiz
- Marine Observation Centre, Flanders Marine Institute, Oostende, Belgium
| | | | - Benoit Berges
- Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University and Research, IJmuiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Slabbekoorn
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Pieniazek RH, Beach RK, Dycha GM, Mickle MF, Higgs DM. Navigating noisy waters: A review of field studies examining anthropogenic noise effects on wild fisha). THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 154:2828-2842. [PMID: 37930177 DOI: 10.1121/10.0022254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic noise is globally increasing in aquatic ecosystems, and there is concern that it may have adverse consequences in many fish species, yet the effects of noise in field settings are not well understood. Concern over the applicability of laboratory-conducted bioacoustic experiments has led to a call for, and a recent increase in, field-based studies, but the results have been mixed, perhaps due to the wide variety of techniques used and species studied. Previous reviews have explored the behavioral, physiological, and/or anatomical costs of fish exposed to anthropogenic noise, but few, if any, have focused on the field techniques and sound sources themselves. This review, therefore, aims to summarize, quantify, and interpret field-based literature, highlight novel approaches, and provide recommendations for future research into the effects of noise on fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Pieniazek
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - R K Beach
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - G M Dycha
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - M F Mickle
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - D M Higgs
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
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Popper AN, Calfee RD. Sound and sturgeon: Bioacoustics and anthropogenic sounda). THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 154:2021-2035. [PMID: 37782124 DOI: 10.1121/10.0021166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Sturgeons are basal bony fishes, most species of which are considered threatened and/or endangered. Like all fishes, sturgeons use hearing to learn about their environment and perhaps communicate with conspecifics, as in mating. Thus, anything that impacts the ability of sturgeon to hear biologically important sounds could impact fitness and survival of individuals and populations. There is growing concern that the sounds produced by human activities (anthropogenic sound), such as from shipping, commercial barge navigation on rivers, offshore windfarms, and oil and gas exploration, could impact hearing by aquatic organisms. Thus, it is critical to understand how sturgeon hear, what they hear, and how they use sound. Such data are needed to set regulatory criteria for anthropogenic sound to protect these animals. However, very little is known about sturgeon behavioral responses to sound and their use of sound. To help understand the issues related to sturgeon and anthropogenic sound, this review first examines what is known about sturgeon bioacoustics. It then considers the potential effects of anthropogenic sound on sturgeon and, finally identifies areas of research that could substantially improve knowledge of sturgeon bioacoustics and effects of anthropogenic sound. Filling these gaps will help regulators establish appropriate protection for sturgeon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur N Popper
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Robin D Calfee
- United States Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, Missouri 65201, USA
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Popper AN, Hice-Dunton L, Jenkins E, Higgs DM, Krebs J, Mooney A, Rice A, Roberts L, Thomsen F, Vigness-Raposa K, Zeddies D, Williams KA. Offshore wind energy development: Research priorities for sound and vibration effects on fishes and aquatic invertebrates. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 151:205. [PMID: 35105040 DOI: 10.1121/10.0009237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There are substantial knowledge gaps regarding both the bioacoustics and the responses of animals to sounds associated with pre-construction, construction, and operations of offshore wind (OSW) energy development. A workgroup of the 2020 State of the Science Workshop on Wildlife and Offshore Wind Energy identified studies for the next five years to help stakeholders better understand potential cumulative biological impacts of sound and vibration to fishes and aquatic invertebrates as the OSW industry develops. The workgroup identified seven short-term priorities that include a mix of primary research and coordination efforts. Key research needs include the examination of animal displacement and other behavioral responses to sound, as well as hearing sensitivity studies related to particle motion, substrate vibration, and sound pressure. Other needs include: identification of priority taxa on which to focus research; standardization of methods; development of a long-term highly instrumented field site; and examination of sound mitigation options for fishes and aquatic invertebrates. Effective assessment of potential cumulative impacts of sound and vibration on fishes and aquatic invertebrates is currently precluded by these and other knowledge gaps. However, filling critical gaps in knowledge will improve our understanding of possible sound-related impacts of OSW energy development to populations and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur N Popper
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Lyndie Hice-Dunton
- Responsible Offshore Science Alliance, 1050 Connecticut Avenue NW #65036, Washington, DC 20036, USA
| | - Edward Jenkins
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, Maine 04103, USA
| | - Dennis M Higgs
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Justin Krebs
- AKRF, 7250 Parkway Drive, Suite 210, Hanover, Maryland 21076, USA
| | - Aran Mooney
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| | - Aaron Rice
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA
| | - Louise Roberts
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | | | - Kathy Vigness-Raposa
- INSPIRE Environmental, 513 Broadway, Suite 314, Newport, Rhode Island 02840, USA
| | - David Zeddies
- JASCO Applied Sciences, 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 218, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, USA
| | - Kathryn A Williams
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, Maine 04103, USA
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Rogers P, Debusschere E, Haan DD, Martin B, Slabbekoorn H. North Sea soundscapes from a fish perspective: Directional patterns in particle motion and masking potential from anthropogenic noise. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 150:2174. [PMID: 34598635 DOI: 10.1121/10.0006412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aquatic world of animals is an acoustic world as sound is the most prominent sensory capacity to extract information about the environment for many aquatic species. Fish can hear particle motion, and a swim bladder potentially adds the additional capacity to sense sound pressure. Combining these capacities allows them to sense direction, distance, spectral content, and detailed temporal patterns. Both sound pressure and particle motion were recorded in a shallow part of the North Sea before and during exposure to a full-scale airgun array from an experimental seismic survey. Distinct amplitude fluctuations and directional patterns in the ambient noise were found to be fluctuating in phase with the tidal cycles and coming from distinct directions. It was speculated that the patterns may be determined by distant sources associated with large rivers and nearby beaches. Sounds of the experimental seismic survey were above the ambient conditions for particle acceleration up to 10 km from the source, at least as detectable for the measurement device, and up to 31 km for the sound pressure. These results and discussion provide a fresh perspective on the auditory world of fishes and a shift in the understanding about potential ranges over which they may have access to biologically relevant cues and be masked by anthropogenic noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Rogers
- Georgia Institute of Technology, North Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | | | - Dick de Haan
- Wageningen Marine Research, Haringkade 1, IJmuiden, 1976 CP, The Netherlands
| | - Bruce Martin
- JASCO Applied Sciences, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Hans Slabbekoorn
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, Leiden, 2333BE, The Netherlands
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