Over the past two decades, research has revealed the widespread impact of chronic noise exposure on animal behavior and physiology. These impacts can extend well beyond the noise source and affect vast areas of the ocean.
Now, a laboratory study on Stylocheilus striatus sea hares has revealed that exposure to boat noise led to a 21% reduction in successful embryo development. Individuals that hatched also suffered a 22% higher death rate than sea hares that were not exposed to boat noise.
These findings demonstrate the negative effects that a common source of underwater noise can have on animal development and survival. If these laboratory results can be applied to natural environments, then such impacts could threaten entire populations of marine species in particular areas.
Read the report HERE
Image: Unknown sea hare… possibly Aplysia sp. (not Stylocheilus striatus) – Digital-Reefs.com
