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Sound and sturgeon: Bioacoustics and anthropogenic sound

October 2, 2023

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.

Publication Year 2023
Title Sound and sturgeon: Bioacoustics and anthropogenic sound
DOI 10.1121/10.0021166
Authors Arthur N. Popper, Robin Calfee
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
Index ID 70249514
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Columbia Environmental Research Center