The Acoustics of Fish

Recent research conducted at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is proving that not only do fish make sounds to communicate with one another, but in the deepest depths of the ocean where no light penetrates this may be more important than we think. Researchers, Francis Juanes a professor at the School of Marine Science, and Rodney Roundtree an adjunct assistant professor also at UMASS Amherst have been conducting research into this area and say their pilot study suggests that man made noise in the oceans can be a problem for some important species. During an experiment just south of Georges Bank hydrophones were deployed by local fishermen over a 24-hour period the scientists were able to collect numerous biological sounds including those from several species of whales, dolphins, and fish. Roundtree explains, “We think work to describe underwater sounds is extremely valuable. The importance of sound in the ecology of both freshwater and marine systems is poorly understood. At this point, in fact, most of our work consists of making careful observations, which of course is the first step in the scientific process. We think work to describe underwater sounds is extremely valuable. The importance of sound in the ecology of both freshwater and marine systems is poorly understood. At this point, in fact, most of our work consists of making careful observations, which of course is the first step in the scientific process.” Their acoustic surveys are conducted in a number of habitats including the fishing grounds in the gulf of Maine, coastal estuaries, rivers and streams as well as in freshwater ponds.