Anthropogenic boat noise reduces feeding success in winter flounder larvae (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)

The aim of this study was to explore an emerging discipline addressing the impact of anthropogenic noise on larval stages of marine organisms. We assessed the influence of boat noise on the feeding behaviour of the pelagic larvae of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus, Walbaum, 1792). The hypothesis was that boat noise influences the feeding behaviour ofP. americanusflounder larvae independently of prey density. Aquaria containingP. americanuslarvae were placed in water baths in which boat noise was diffused for the "noise" treatment and compared to control aquaria with no sound emissions. Larvae were filmed using cameras placed above the aquaria and their behaviour was recorded. Larvae exposed to anthropogenic noise displayed significantly fewer hunting events than controls, and their stomach volumes were significantly smaller. This noise effect was the same at all prey densities used, suggesting that larval feeding behaviour is negatively impaired by anthropogenic noise.

Keyword(s)

Feeding behaviour, Winter flounder, Larvae, Anthropogenic noise, Vessel noise

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Gendron Gilberte, Tremblay Rejean, Jolivet Aurelie, Olivier Frederic, Chauvaud Laurent, Winkler Gesche, Audet Celine (2020). Anthropogenic boat noise reduces feeding success in winter flounder larvae (Pseudopleuronectes americanus). Environmental Biology Of Fishes. 103 (9). 1079-1090. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-020-01005-3, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00695/80732/

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