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Schneider EVC, Talwar BS, Killen SS, Russell S, Van Leeuwen TE, Bailey DM. Colonization, diversity, and seasonality of fishes at pelagic fish aggregating devices. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2024; 104:825-836. [PMID: 37853921 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The pelagic zone of the ocean can be a challenging environment in which to conduct research and as a result we lack the robust baseline abundance and diversity data, compared to what is available in more accessible coastal habitats, to be able to track changes or stressors to the biota in this environment. Many large-scale fisheries target pelagic fish, and much of the information available on these species is based on fisheries-dependent data that may be biased towards hotspots and commercially valuable fishes. Here, a long-term video and visual fish survey was conducted on two subsurface moored fish aggregating devices (FADs) in the pelagic waters of the central Bahamas to determine the feasibility of using moored pelagic FADs as tools for collecting fish abundance and diversity data. A wide range of species was documented, including large migratory fish that are the focus of commercial and recreational fisheries, and smaller often overlooked species on which little abundance or seasonality information exists. We found that FADs colonize quickly and reach a peak stable (albeit seasonally cyclical) abundance and diversity within the first several months after deployment. Species richness was higher in video surveys, but abundance was higher in visual surveys, except for sharks. Our results highlight the need to tailor survey methods to fit the context and study objective, and provide further evidence for the importance of fisheries-independent data in monitoring pelagic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric V C Schneider
- Exuma Sound Ecosystem Research Project, Cape Eleuthera Institute, Rock Sound, Bahamas
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Brendan S Talwar
- Exuma Sound Ecosystem Research Project, Cape Eleuthera Institute, Rock Sound, Bahamas
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida, USA
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Shaun S Killen
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Samantha Russell
- Exuma Sound Ecosystem Research Project, Cape Eleuthera Institute, Rock Sound, Bahamas
| | | | - David M Bailey
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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2
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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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3
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Butcher PA, Lee KA, Brand CP, Gallen CR, Green M, Smoothey AF, Peddemors VM. Capture Response and Long-Term Fate of White Sharks ( Carcharodon carcharias) after Release from SMART Drumlines. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1329. [PMID: 37887039 PMCID: PMC10603847 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Human-shark conflict has been managed through catch-and-kill policies in most parts of the world. More recently, there has been a greater demand for shark bite mitigation measures to improve protection for water users whilst minimizing harm to non-target and target species, particularly White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias), given their status as a Threatened, Endangered, or Protected (TEP) species. A new non-lethal shark bite mitigation method, known as the Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time (SMART) drumline, alerts responders when an animal takes the bait and thereby provides an opportunity for rapid response to the catch and potentially to relocate, tag, and release sharks. Thirty-six White Sharks were caught on SMART drumlines in New South Wales, Australia, and tagged with dorsal fin-mounted satellite-linked radio transmitters (SLRTs) and acoustic tags before release. Thirty-one sharks were located within 10 days, 22 of which provided high-quality locations (classes 1 to 3) suitable for analysis. Twenty-seven percent and 59% of these sharks were first detected within 10 and 50 h of release, respectively. For the first three days post-release, sharks moved and mostly remained offshore (>3.5 km from the coast), irrespective of shark sex and length. Thereafter, tagged sharks progressively moved inshore; however, 77% remained more than 1.9 km off the coast and an average of 5 km away from the tagging location, 10 days post-release. Sharks were acoustically detected for an average of 591 days post-release (ranging from 45 to 1075 days). Although five of the 36 sharks were not detected on acoustic receivers, SLRT detections for these five sharks ranged between 43 and 639 days post-release, indicating zero mortality associated with capture. These results highlight the suitability of SMART drumlines as a potential non-lethal shark bite mitigation tool for TEP species such as White Sharks, as they initially move away from the capture site, and thereby this bather protection tool diminishes the immediate risk of shark interactions at that site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Butcher
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries Research, National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia; (C.P.B.); (C.R.G.)
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
| | - Kate A. Lee
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia;
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Craig P. Brand
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries Research, National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia; (C.P.B.); (C.R.G.)
| | - Christopher R. Gallen
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries Research, National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia; (C.P.B.); (C.R.G.)
| | - Marcel Green
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia; (M.G.); (A.F.S.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Amy F. Smoothey
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia; (M.G.); (A.F.S.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Victor M. Peddemors
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia; (M.G.); (A.F.S.); (V.M.P.)
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Nieder C, Rapson J, Montgomery JC, Radford CA. Comparison of auditory evoked potential thresholds in three shark species. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245973. [PMID: 37439272 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Auditory sensitivity measurements have been published for only 12 of the more than 1150 extant species of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays). Thus, there is a need to further understand sound perception in more species from different ecological niches. In this study, the auditory evoked potential (AEP) technique was used to compare hearing abilities of the bottom-dwelling New Zealand carpet shark (Cephaloscyllium isabellum) and two benthopelagic houndsharks (Triakidae), the rig (Mustelus lenticulatus) and the school shark (Galeorhinus galeus). AEPs were measured in response to tone bursts (frequencies: 80, 100, 150, 200, 300, 450, 600, 800 and 1200 Hz) from an underwater speaker positioned 55 cm in front of the shark in an experimental tank. AEP detection thresholds were derived visually and statistically, with statistical measures slightly more sensitive (∼4 dB) than visual methodology. Hearing abilities differed between species, mainly with respect to bandwidth rather than sensitivity. Hearing was least developed in the benthic C. isabellum [upper limit: 300 Hz, highest sensitivity: 100 Hz (82.3±1.5 dB re. 1 µm s-2)] and had a wider range in the benthopelagic rig and school sharks [upper limit: 800 Hz; highest sensitivity: 100 Hz (79.2±1.6 dB re. 1 µm s-2) for G. galeus and 150 Hz (74.8±1.8 dB re. 1 µm s-2) for M. lenticulatus]. The data are consistent with those known for 'hearing non-specialist' teleost fishes that detect only particle motion, not pressure. Furthermore, our results provide evidence that benthopelagic sharks exploit higher frequencies (max. 800 Hz) than some of the bottom-dwelling sharks (max. 300 Hz). Further behavioural and morphological studies are needed to identify what ecological factors drive differences in upper frequency limits of hearing in elasmobranchs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Nieder
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Leigh Marine Research Laboratory, Leigh, Auckland 0985, New Zealand
| | - Jimmy Rapson
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Leigh Marine Research Laboratory, Leigh, Auckland 0985, New Zealand
| | - John C Montgomery
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Leigh Marine Research Laboratory, Leigh, Auckland 0985, New Zealand
| | - Craig A Radford
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Leigh Marine Research Laboratory, Leigh, Auckland 0985, New Zealand
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5
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Nieder C, Gibbs BJ, Rapson J, McLay J, Montgomery JC, Radford CA. Comparison of acoustic particle acceleration detection capabilities in three shark species. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245995. [PMID: 37665253 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245995] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Behavioural studies have shown that sharks are capable of directional orientation to sound. However, only one previous experiment addresses the physiological mechanisms of directional hearing in sharks. Here, we used a directional shaker table in combination with the auditory evoked potential (AEP) technique to understand the broadscale directional hearing capabilities in the New Zealand carpet shark (Cephaloscyllium isabellum), rig shark (Mustelus lenticulatus) and school shark (Galeorhinus galeus). The aim of this experiment was to test if sharks are more sensitive to vertical (z-axis) or head-to-tail (x-axis) accelerations, and whether there are any differences between species. Our results support previous findings, suggesting that shark ears can receive sounds from all directions. Acceleration detection bandwidth was narrowest for the carpet shark (40-200 Hz), and broader for rig and school sharks (40-800 Hz). Greatest sensitivity bands were 40-80 Hz for the carpet shark, 100-200 Hz for the rig and 80-100 Hz for the school shark. Our results indicate that there may be differences in directional hearing abilities among sharks. The bottom-dwelling carpet shark was equally sensitive to vertical and head-to-tail particle accelerations. In contrast, both benthopelagic rig and school sharks appeared to be more sensitive to vertical accelerations at frequencies up to 200 Hz. This is the first study to provide physiological evidence that sharks may differ in their directional hearing and sound localisation abilities. Further comparative physiological and behavioural studies in more species with different lifestyles, habitats and feeding strategies are needed to further explore the drivers for increased sensitivity to vertical accelerations among elasmobranchs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Nieder
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Leigh Marine Research Laboratory, 160 Goat Island Road, Leigh, Auckland 0985, New Zealand
| | - Brendan J Gibbs
- The University of Florida, Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, 9505 N Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
| | - Jimmy Rapson
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Leigh Marine Research Laboratory, 160 Goat Island Road, Leigh, Auckland 0985, New Zealand
| | - Jessica McLay
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, 38 Princes Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - John C Montgomery
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Leigh Marine Research Laboratory, 160 Goat Island Road, Leigh, Auckland 0985, New Zealand
| | - Craig A Radford
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Leigh Marine Research Laboratory, 160 Goat Island Road, Leigh, Auckland 0985, New Zealand
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6
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Bandyopadhyay PR. Acoustic predation in a sailfish-flying fish cloak. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13820. [PMID: 37620523 PMCID: PMC10449807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40986-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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
When a sailfish circles to corral a school of flying fish in a vortex near the ocean surface, a tiny patch of arced surface waves confined to oppositely placed 70° sectors appears dispersing coherently, but why? It is modeled that, when the fish motions stop suddenly, the corralled school compacts, the tail shed propulsion vortices touch, break and radiate the pressure released from the centrifugal vortex rotation creating an acoustic monopole. The surface-wave patch is a section of the sphere of radiation. The oppositely placed curved bodies of the sailfish and the flying fish act as concave acoustic mirrors about the monopole creating a reverberating bell-shaped cloak in between which vibrates the ear bones and bladders of the flying fish disorienting them. A cup of water firmly struck on a table induces a similar vibration of a purely radial mode. The sailfish circles around the school at a depth where the wind induced underwater toroidal motion in the vertical plane becomes negligible such that the flying fish is unable to sense the tailwind direction above, limiting the ability to swim up and emerge in the right direction to glide. Experiments confirm that the flying fish tail rigidity is too low for a quick ballistic exit, which is not called for either.
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7
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Mitchell JD, Drymon JM, Vardon J, Coulson PG, Simpfendorfer CA, Scyphers SB, Kajiura SM, Hoel K, Williams S, Ryan KL, Barnett A, Heupel MR, Chin A, Navarro M, Langlois T, Ajemian MJ, Gilman E, Prasky E, Jackson G. Shark depredation: future directions in research and management. REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES 2023; 33:475-499. [PMID: 36404946 PMCID: PMC9664043 DOI: 10.1007/s11160-022-09732-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Shark depredation is a complex social-ecological issue that affects a range of fisheries worldwide. Increasing concern about the impacts of shark depredation, and how it intersects with the broader context of fisheries management, has driven recent research in this area, especially in Australia and the United States. This review synthesises these recent advances and provides strategic guidance for researchers aiming to characterise the occurrence of depredation, identify the shark species responsible, and test deterrent and management approaches to reduce its impacts. Specifically, the review covers the application of social science approaches, as well as advances in video camera and genetic methods for identifying depredating species. The practicalities and considerations for testing magnetic, electrical, and acoustic deterrent devices are discussed in light of recent research. Key concepts for the management of shark depredation are reviewed, with recommendations made to guide future research and policy development. Specific management responses to address shark depredation are lacking, and this review emphasizes that a "silver bullet" approach for mitigating depredation does not yet exist. Rather, future efforts to manage shark depredation must rely on a diverse range of integrated approaches involving those in the fishery (fishers, scientists and fishery managers), social scientists, educators, and other stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. D. Mitchell
- Queensland Government, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - J. M. Drymon
- Mississippi State University, Coastal Research and Extension Center, 1815 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS 39532 USA
- Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 USA
| | - J. Vardon
- Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW Australia
| | - P. G. Coulson
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories, 39 Northside Drive, Hillarys, WA 6025 Australia
| | - C. A. Simpfendorfer
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, TAS 7004 Australia
| | - S. B. Scyphers
- Coastal Sustainability Institute, Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, Nahant, MA 01908 USA
- Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - S. M. Kajiura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431 USA
| | - K. Hoel
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Bldg 34 James Cook Drive, Douglas, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - S. Williams
- Queensland Government, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072 Australia
| | - K. L. Ryan
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories, 39 Northside Drive, Hillarys, WA 6025 Australia
| | - A. Barnett
- Biopixel Oceans Foundation, Cairns, QLD Australia
- Marine Data Technology Hub, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - M. R. Heupel
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, TAS 7004 Australia
| | - A. Chin
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Bldg 34 James Cook Drive, Douglas, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - M. Navarro
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA Australia
- The Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA Australia
| | - T. Langlois
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA Australia
- The Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA Australia
| | - M. J. Ajemian
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946 USA
| | - E. Gilman
- Pelagic Ecosystems Research Group, Honolulu, HI USA
- Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E. Prasky
- Coastal Sustainability Institute, Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, Nahant, MA 01908 USA
- Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - G. Jackson
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories, 39 Northside Drive, Hillarys, WA 6025 Australia
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Fetterplace LC, Delgado Esteban JJ, Pini‐Fitzsimmons J, Gaskell J, Wueringer BE. Evidence of sound production in wild stingrays. Ecology 2022; 103:e3812. [PMID: 35808819 PMCID: PMC9786621 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan C. Fetterplace
- Department of Aquatic ResourcesInstitute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural SciencesÖregrundSweden,Fish Thinkers Research GroupGerroaNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Joni Pini‐Fitzsimmons
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and EngineeringMacquarie UniversityMacquarie ParkNew South WalesAustralia
| | - John Gaskell
- Reef CatchmentsProserpineQueenslandAustralia,Sharks And Rays AustraliaBungalowQueenslandAustralia
| | - Barbara E. Wueringer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and EngineeringMacquarie UniversityMacquarie ParkNew South WalesAustralia,Sharks And Rays AustraliaBungalowQueenslandAustralia
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Global collision-risk hotspots of marine traffic and the world's largest fish, the whale shark. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2117440119. [PMID: 35533277 PMCID: PMC9171791 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117440119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine traffic is increasing globally yet collisions with endangered megafauna such as whales, sea turtles, and planktivorous sharks go largely undetected or unreported. Collisions leading to mortality can have population-level consequences for endangered species. Hence, identifying simultaneous space use of megafauna and shipping throughout ranges may reveal as-yet-unknown spatial targets requiring conservation. However, global studies tracking megafauna and shipping occurrences are lacking. Here we combine satellite-tracked movements of the whale shark, Rhincodon typus, and vessel activity to show that 92% of sharks’ horizontal space use and nearly 50% of vertical space use overlap with persistent large vessel (>300 gross tons) traffic. Collision-risk estimates correlated with reported whale shark mortality from ship strikes, indicating higher mortality in areas with greatest overlap. Hotspots of potential collision risk were evident in all major oceans, predominantly from overlap with cargo and tanker vessels, and were concentrated in gulf regions, where dense traffic co-occurred with seasonal shark movements. Nearly a third of whale shark hotspots overlapped with the highest collision-risk areas, with the last known locations of tracked sharks coinciding with busier shipping routes more often than expected. Depth-recording tags provided evidence for sinking, likely dead, whale sharks, suggesting substantial “cryptic” lethal ship strikes are possible, which could explain why whale shark population declines continue despite international protection and low fishing-induced mortality. Mitigation measures to reduce ship-strike risk should be considered to conserve this species and other ocean giants that are likely experiencing similar impacts from growing global vessel traffic.
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10
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Acoustic discrimination in the grey bamboo shark Chiloscyllium griseum. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6520. [PMID: 35444192 PMCID: PMC9021286 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10257-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive abilities of sharks are well developed and comparable to teleosts and other vertebrates. Most studies exploring elasmobranch cognitive abilities have used visual stimuli, assessing a wide range of discrimination tasks, memory retention and spatial learning abilities. Some studies using acoustic stimuli in a cognitive context have been conducted, but a basic understanding of sound induced behavioural changes and the underlying mechanisms involved are still lacking. This study explored the acoustic discrimination abilities of seven juvenile grey bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium griseum) using a Go/No-Go method, which so far had never been tested in sharks before. After this, the smallest frequency difference leading to a change in behaviour in the sharks was studied using a series of transfer tests. Our results show that grey bamboo sharks can learn a Go/No-Go task using both visual and acoustic stimuli. Transfer tests elucidated that, when both stimulus types were presented, both were used. Within the tested range of 90–210 Hz, a frequency difference of 20–30 Hz is sufficient to discriminate the two sounds, which is comparable to results previously collected for sharks and teleosts. Currently, there is still a substantial lack of knowledge concerning the acoustic abilities and sound induced behaviours of sharks while anthropogenic noise is constantly on the rise. New insights into shark sound recognition, detection and use are therefore of the utmost importance and will aid in management and conservation efforts of sharks.
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11
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A Systematic Review of the Behavioural Changes and Physiological Adjustments of Elasmobranchs and Teleost’s to Ocean Acidification with a Focus on Sharks. FISHES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/fishes7020056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, much attention has been focused on the impact of climate change, particularly via ocean acidification (OA), on marine organisms. Studying the impact of OA on long-living organisms, such as sharks, is especially challenging. When the ocean waters absorb anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2), slow-growing shark species with long generation times may be subjected to stress, leading to a decrease in functionality. Our goal was to examine the behavioral and physiological responses of sharks to OA and the possible impacts on their fitness and resilience. We conducted a systematic review in line with PRISMA-Analyses, of previously reported scientific experiments. We found that most studies used CO2 partial pressures (pCO2) that reflect representative concentration pathways for the year 2100 (e.g., pH ~7.8, pCO2 ~1000 μatm). Since there is a considerable knowledge gap on the effect of OA on sharks, we utilized existing data on bony fish to synthesize the available knowledge. Given the similarities between the behaviors and physiology of these two superclasses’ to changes in CO2 and pH levels, there is merit in including the available information on bony fish as well. Several studies indicated a decrease in shark fitness in relation to increased OA and CO2 levels. However, the decrease was species-specific and influenced by the intensity of the change in atmospheric CO2 concentration and other anthropogenic and environmental factors (e.g., fishing, temperature). Most studies involved only limited exposure to future environmental conditions and were conducted on benthic shark species studied in the laboratory rather than on apex predator species. While knowledge gaps exist, and more research is required, we conclude that anthropogenic factors are likely contributing to shark species’ vulnerability worldwide. However, the impact of OA on the long-term stability of shark populations is not unequivocal.
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12
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Asynchronous Chirp Slope Keying for Underwater Acoustic Communication. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21093282. [PMID: 34068628 PMCID: PMC8126164 DOI: 10.3390/s21093282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We propose an asynchronous acoustic chirp slope keying to map short bit sequences on single or multiple bands without preamble or error correction coding on the physical layer. We introduce a symbol detection scheme in the demodulator that uses the superposed matched filter results of up and down chirp references to estimate the symbol timing, which removes the requirement of a preamble for symbol synchronization. Details of the implementation are disclosed and discussed, and the performance is verified in a pool measurement on laboratory scale, as well as the simulation for a channel containing Rayleigh fading and Additive White Gaussian Noise. For time-bandwidth products (TB) of 50 in single band mode, a raw data rate of 100 bit/s is simulated to achieve bit error rates (BER) below 0.001 for signal-to-noise ratios above −6 dB. In dual-band mode, for TB of 25 and a data rate of 200 bit/s, the same bit error level was achieved for signal-to-noise ratios above 0 dB. The simulated packet error rates (PER) follow the general behavior of the BER, but with a higher error probability, which increases with the length of bits in each packet.
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13
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de Vincenzi G, Micarelli P, Viola S, Buffa G, Sciacca V, Maccarrone V, Corrias V, Reinero FR, Giacoma C, Filiciotto F. Biological Sound vs. Anthropogenic Noise: Assessment of Behavioural Changes in Scyliorhinus canicula Exposed to Boats Noise. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010174. [PMID: 33451005 PMCID: PMC7828510 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the growing interest in human-made noise effects on marine wildlife, few studies have investigated the potential role of underwater noise on elasmobranch species. In this study, twelve specimens of small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) were exposed to biological and anthropogenic sounds in order to assess their behavioural changes in response to prey acoustic stimuli and to different amplitude levels of shipping noise. The sharks, individually held in aquariums, were exposed to four experimental acoustic conditions characterized by different spectral (Hz) components and amplitude (dB re 1 µPa) levels. The swimming behaviour and spatial distribution of sharks were observed. The results highlighted significant differences in swimming time and in the spatial use of the aquarium among the experimental conditions. When the amplitude levels of biological sources were higher than those of anthropogenic sources, the sharks' swimming behaviour was concentrated in the bottom sections of the aquarium; when the amplitude levels of anthropogenic sources were higher than biological ones, the specimens increased the time spent swimming. Moreover, their spatial distribution highlighted a tendency to occupy the least noisy sections of the aquarium. In conclusion, this study highlighted that anthropogenic noise is able to affect behaviour of catshark specimens and the impact depends on acoustic amplitude levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni de Vincenzi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche—Istituto per le Risorse Biologiche e le Biotecnologie Marine, Messina (IRBIM-CNR)—Spianata S. Raineri, 86, 98122 Messina (ME), Italy; (V.S.); (F.F.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biologia dei Sistemi, Università degli Studi di Torino, 10123 Torino (TO), Italy;
- eConscience—Art of Soundscape, No-Profit Organization, via Provinciale 610, 90046 Monreale (PA), Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-339-328-5855
| | - Primo Micarelli
- Centro Studi Squali—Istituto Scientifico presso Aquarium Mondo Marino—Loc. Valpiana, 58024 Massa Marittima (GR), Italy;
| | - Salvatore Viola
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN)—Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, 95100 Catania (CT), Italy;
| | - Gaspare Buffa
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche—Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino, Capo Granitola (IAS-CNR)—Via del Mare, 3, 91021 T.G. Campobello di Mazara (TP), Italy; (G.B.); (V.M.)
| | - Virginia Sciacca
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche—Istituto per le Risorse Biologiche e le Biotecnologie Marine, Messina (IRBIM-CNR)—Spianata S. Raineri, 86, 98122 Messina (ME), Italy; (V.S.); (F.F.)
- eConscience—Art of Soundscape, No-Profit Organization, via Provinciale 610, 90046 Monreale (PA), Italy
| | - Vincenzo Maccarrone
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche—Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino, Capo Granitola (IAS-CNR)—Via del Mare, 3, 91021 T.G. Campobello di Mazara (TP), Italy; (G.B.); (V.M.)
| | - Valentina Corrias
- Dipartimento di Scienze Marine, Ecologia e Biologia—Università degli Studi della Tuscia—Largo delle Università, 01100 Viterbo (VT), Italy;
| | | | - Cristina Giacoma
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biologia dei Sistemi, Università degli Studi di Torino, 10123 Torino (TO), Italy;
| | - Francesco Filiciotto
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche—Istituto per le Risorse Biologiche e le Biotecnologie Marine, Messina (IRBIM-CNR)—Spianata S. Raineri, 86, 98122 Messina (ME), Italy; (V.S.); (F.F.)
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Fiedler T, Verstegen T. Fibre-Reinforced Composite for Protection against Shark Bites. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:ma13225065. [PMID: 33182725 PMCID: PMC7696924 DOI: 10.3390/ma13225065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The number of shark attacks resulting in fatalities and severe injuries has increased steadily over recent years. This is mainly attributed to a growing population participating in ocean sports such as swimming, diving, and surfing. To mitigate the severity of shark attacks, the current study presents a novel fibre-reinforced composite for bite protection. This material is intended for integration into neoprene wetsuits, e.g., in the form of protective pads. A suitable material must be able to withstand significant bite forces, which are concentrated within a small contact area at the tips of the shark teeth. At the same time, the material should not hinder the complex motion sequences of aquatic sports. To this end, a novel fibre-reinforced composite was created by integrating Kevlar fibres into an elastic matrix. Uni-axial testing using shark teeth replicas was conducted on a specially designed test rig to quantify the effectiveness of the novel protective material.
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15
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Collin SP, Davies WIL. Editorial: Biodiversity of Sensory Systems in Aquatic Vertebrates. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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16
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Mickle MF, Pieniazek RH, Higgs DM. Field assessment of behavioural responses of southern stingrays ( Hypanus americanus) to acoustic stimuli. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:191544. [PMID: 32218972 PMCID: PMC7029913 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The ability of elasmobranchs to detect and use sound cues has been heavily debated in previous research and has only recently received revived attention. To properly understand the importance of sound to elasmobranchs, assessing their responses to acoustic stimuli in a field setting is vital. Here, we establish a behavioural audiogram of free-swimming male and female southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) exposed to low-frequency tones. We demonstrate that female stingrays exposed to tones (50-500 Hz) exhibit significant changes in swimming behaviours (increased time spent swimming, decreased rest time, increased surface breaches and increased side swimming with pectoral flapping) at 140 dB re 1 µPa (-2.08 to -2.40 dB re 1 m s-2) while males exposed to the same tones did not exhibit a change in these behaviours until 160 dB re 1 µPa (-1.13 to -1.21 dB re 1 m s-2). Our results are the first demonstration of field responses to sound in the Batoidea and show a distinct sensitivity to low-frequency acoustic inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan F. Mickle
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, OntarioCanada, N9B 3P4
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