This project aims to evaluate the impact of a chronic and pervasive source of man-made noise on direct measures of fitness in model fish species
WHY
Marine traffic is the most common and chronic source of ocean noise pollution. Recent studies point to detrimental effects on fish but the assessment of impacts on individual fitness and resulting changes at the population level are needed to consider mitigation and management measures
MODELS
This proposal will evaluate the effect of boat noise on reproductive success, early-life development and survival in two vocal fishes, the meagre (Argyrossomus regius) and the Lusitanian toadfish (Halobatrachus didactylus).
HOW
Field and lab experiments using a multimethod approach (passive acoustic recordings, playback experiments, telemetry and evaluation of stress response biomarkers) will yield ecological relevant results necessary to provide guidelines to regulators.
Key concepts
Noise pollution
Man-made noise can affect animal behaviour and physiology and is now acknowledged as a chronic source of pollution that is changing underwater soundscapes.
Fish sounds
Several species produce sounds in contexts such as courtship, or spawning and may rely on acoustic communication for successful breeding. These sounds can be used to monitor each species.
Soundscape characterization
The combination of natural (biotic and abiotic) and anthropogenic sounds form the soundscape of environment. Through passive acoustic monitoring we can extract information to infer biodiversity and environmental quality.
Masking
Fish use sound to interpret their surroundings, including conspecifics, predator and prey detection, but noise can reduce its hearing ability.
Major tasks
Impact on calling behaviour
Impact on communication space
Impact on reproductive success
Impact on early-life development and survival
Stress response
Dissemination of results
Team
M. Clara P. Amorim
Principal Investigator
Paulo J. Fonseca
Co-Principal Investigator
Ana Faria
Investigator
Bernardo Quintella
Investigator
Sara Novais
Investigator
Manuel Vieira
PhD student
Daniel Alves
PhD student
André Matos
BI - Masters student
Rita Trabulo
BI - Masters student
Marta Bolgan
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Thibaut Marin-Cudraz
Post-Doctoral Fellow
O FishNoise (projeto PTDC/BIA-BMA/29662/2017) foi financiado pela FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia através de fundos nacionais, e co-financiado pelo Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI) e pelo Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) através do Programa Operacional Regional de Lisboa (POR).
