Behavioural Processes

Currie H.A.L., White P.R., Leighton T.G., Kemp P.S.

This paper explores the response of groups of fish to sound, with the ultimate aim of understanding the impacts of anthropogenic noise on aquatic ecosystems.  Different types of sounds were played to groups of five minnows (an ideal model species).  The behaviour of the fish in response to these stimuli were quantified using high resolution video tracking.  The results showed that the fish exhibited a marked response to the sounds: startling then slowing their swimming speed and generally avoiding the areas close to the acoustic source. The work helps quantify how noise sources can influence fish behaviour.

---