New paper - Small recreational boats: a ubiquitous source of sound pollution in shallow coastal habitats

[Louise Wilson <>]

Dear colleagues,

Our article investigating the prevalence and acoustic impact of sound from small recreational boats has recently been published in Marine Pollution Bulletin.

Abstract

Sound from small recreational boats spans a wide range of frequencies and source levels, but the degree to which this impacts the soundscapes of shallow coastal habitats is poorly understood. Here, long-term passive acoustic recordings at five shallow coastal sites, including two MPAs, were used to quantify spatio-temporal variation in small boat sound and its effect on the soundscape. Boats were detected almost every day at each site, irrespective of protection status, significantly elevating the low-frequency (100–800 Hz) component of the soundscape. This frequency band is used by many species for communication, orientation, and predator avoidance. Therefore, highlighting the potential for small boat sound to alter soundscapes and mask cues. Existing tools for monitoring sound pollution are targeted at sound from shipping. These data highlight that the broadband and highly variable sound emitted by small boats must be considered when evaluating anthropogenic impacts on coastal marine ecosystems worldwide.

The research article can be accessed here: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1eN6m,ash%7ET4h

Please get in touch with any questions: 

Ngā mihi, 

Louise

Louise Wilson

PhD Candidate

Leigh Marine Lab 

160 Goat Island Road, Leigh, 0985

+64 (0) 27 258 6639