Evaluation of boat noise impact on the sound detection ability of snapping shrimp (Alpheidae)

Snapping shrimp (Alpheidae) produce loud, broadband snaps during intraspecific and interspecific interactions. These sounds produced from snapping shrimp are known to serve as environmental cues for a range of marine organisms. However, the noise from anthropogenic activities brings serious concerns about its impact on sound production as well as hearing in the snapping shrimp. In this study, we collected specimens from the field to record their snaps and investigate their auditory sensitivity up to 3500 Hz using auditory evoked potential measurements. The snap amplitudes exceeded their hearing thresholds within the tested frequency range, indicating that snapping shrimp can likely perceive their conspecific sounds. To assess the impact of anthropogenic noise, we modeled their acoustic sensing range and evaluated the impact of boat noise. Results showed boat noise reduced their sensing range across the frequency range from 80 to 400 Hz with the maximum reduction of 91.20% at 100 Hz. This study suggests that chronic exposure to vessel noise may affect snapping shrimps' acoustic sensing, highlighting the need for further attention to address the impacts of noise on sound-producing invertebrates.