The effects of anthropogenic noise on plainfin midshipman fish

This project will assess how boat noise affects parental care and mating vocalizations in plainfin midshipman fish, which are highly sensitive to sound and spend months caring for their eggs in coastal areas prone to high boat traffic. Using two field experiments, we will test whether these fish alter their vocalizations or parental behaviours in the presence of a passing boat, and whether any potential changes in behaviour are still elicited when the boat is driven more slowly or further away. The results from this study will provide information about how we could mitigate the negative effects of boat noise, which could help conserve marine species. One of the focuses of WCS Canada is to assess how shipping noise affects marine animals in the Canadian Arctic, and this project will complement previous work by extending the research to Canadian temperate coastal ecosystems.

Faculty Supervisor:

Francis Juanes

Student:

Partner:

Wildlife Conservation Society Canada

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Victoria

Program: