Anthropogenic noise and its effect on fish; with emphasize on behavioural responses

Abstract : Nowadays, with increase in a variety of human activities such as urbanization, industrialization and maritime transportation have introduced various man-made sounds into both terrestrial and aquatic habitats with a broad range of temporal and spectral patterns worldwide. Over the last 2 decades, an increasing amount of evidence has shown that underwater sounds generated by human activities affect several types of responses in fish. Aquatic and terrestrial animals with different hearing ability can perceive sounds and extract relevant signals and cues from ambient noise in the environment and therefore potentially may be affected by anthropogenic noise differently. Here, the main sound sources have been clearly demonstrated. Then, in general more prevalent sound detection mechanisms have been discussed among fish species. Moreover, I address anthropogenic noise effects on fishes with emphasize on behavioral responses. Finally, in terms of suggestions and insights for the future work, I believe the studies in the current review contribute eventually to increase more general awareness of potential issues with sound pollution in aquatic habitats and shed light on the potential effect of anthropogenic noise on fish and other aquatic animal behaviours not only at the individual, group, but also at the population and community level. I am sure that, by then, more fundamental insights and future studies will come in handy for potential monitoring, protection or mitigation efforts.

sound, aquatic habitats, behavioural biology, fish