BSB responses to noise

As anthropogenic activities in the world’s oceans are increasing, so too is the sound originating from these activities and consequently there is increased attention being paid to the ecological consequences of anthropogenic sound underwater. Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) support a valuable commercial fishery in the US. Yet, until recently, there was little known on BSB hearing and sound sensitivity.  We are conducting experiments in controlled and field settings to quantitatively and qualitatively measure their response to offshore marine construction noise on BSB (and squid).  We are finding that they are sound-sensitive and their hearing ability changes with age. The ability to hear has many ecological implications such as communication with conspecifics and predator detection, but also stresses that these animals may be impacted by anthropogenic noise.