Impulsive pile driving noise elicits alarm responses in squid (Doryteuthis pealeii). (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Ian T.; Stanley, Jenni A.; Mooney, T. Aran
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 150(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Anthropogenic noise -- Invertebrate -- Cephalopod -- Behavior -- Tolerance -- Habituation; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110792
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Pile driving occurs during construction of marine platforms, including offshore windfarms, producing intense sounds that can adversely affect marine animals. We quantified how a commercially and economically important squid ( Doryteuthis pealeii : Lesueur 1821) responded to pile driving sounds recorded from a windfarm installation within this species' habitat. Fifteen-minute portions of these sounds were played to 16 individual squid. A subset of animals ( n = 11) received a second exposure after a 24-h rest period. Body pattern changes, inking, jetting, and startle responses were observed and nearly all squid exhibited at least one response. These responses occurred primarily during the first 8 impulses and diminished quickly, indicating potential rapid, short-term habituation. Similar response rates were seen 24-h later, suggesting squid re-sensitized to the noise. Increased tolerance of anti-predatory alarm responses may alter squids' ability to deter and evade predators. Noise exposure may also disrupt normal intraspecific communication and ecologically relevant responses to sound. Highlights: Squid exhibit antipredator defense behaviors at onset of noise playback Fast decrease in responses may make squid more vulnerable to predation. Response rates similar for second exposure after 24-h rest period Longer periods between pile driving activity may discourage long-term habituation. Induced alarm responses suggest disruption to fundamental communication behaviors.