Hurricane impacts on a coral reef soundscape

Area of Science:

• Marine biology
• Acoustic ecology
• Coral reef ecosystems

Background:

• Soundscape ecology assesses habitat quality and species response to disturbances.
• Underwater soundscapes' response to severe episodic events like hurricanes is poorly understood.
• Coral reefs are vulnerable to hurricanes, impacting their acoustic environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impacts of Hurricane Irma on coral reef soundscapes.
• To analyze changes in sound pressure levels (SPLs) and sound production patterns before, during, and after the hurricane.
• To assess the resilience of coral reef soundscapes to hurricane impacts.

Main Methods:

• Passive acoustic monitoring at two Florida Keys reef sites (Western Dry Rocks and Eastern Sambo).
• Data collection before, during, and after Hurricane Irma.
• Analysis of low-frequency (fish) and high-frequency (shrimp) sound production patterns and SPLs.

Main Results:

• Reef soundscapes experienced acoustic exposure comparable to continuous vessel noise for 1-2 weeks.
• Distinct diel patterns in low-frequency fish sounds and high-frequency shrimp sounds were observed pre-storm.
• Daily low-frequency sound patterns persisted post-hurricane; high-frequency shrimp sounds showed minor shifts.

Conclusions:

• Coral reef soundscapes demonstrated relative resilience to acoustic exposure and habitat changes caused by Hurricane Irma on short timescales.
• Temporal patterns in sound production by fish and shrimp were largely maintained.
• Soundscape ecology offers valuable insights into ecosystem responses to extreme weather events.