The impact of aquaculture soundscapes on whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar

Abstract

Research into the effects of soundscapes on aquaculture species in key production systems is sparse, despite potential impacts of sound on animal welfare and commercial yields. In the following study, 2 high-value global aquaculture species, whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, were exposed to aquaculture production system soundscapes. For shrimp, sound recordings of a commercial recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) were played back at a sound pressure level (SPL) of 128 dB re 1 µPa, and for salmon, recordings from a commercial sea pen production system were played back at an SPL of 127 dB re 1 µPa for an 8 wk period. Effects of exposure on growth, survival, and indications of metabolic stress were measured as parameters of interest for aquaculture production. Mean growth performance and survival rates did not differ significantly between sound and control treatments for either species. Blood and haemolymph parameters from both species indicated no measurable change in metabolic status or stress levels. Slight, but non-significant, increases in total haemocyte count and, in particular, hyaline cell count were recorded in shrimp exposed to sound. Slight, but non-significant reductions in overall weight gain were recorded in sound-exposed salmon. Overall, the results indicate that sound exposure in current production systems does not negatively affect the early grow-out stage of these key species, either due to rapid habituation or higher hearing thresholds of hatchery-produced individuals, and that no measurable stress response occurs in sound-exposed animals. In future studies, response of the studied species to acute sound exposure and the response of earlier, and potentially more sensitive, life-stages will need to be determined to ensure optimal welfare and production performance.

Marine invertebrates and noise

“…Frictional structures located at the base of each antenna (Patek, 2002) Homarus americanus American lobster Mean frequency of 183. hearing thresholds of hatchery-produced individuals, (Slater et al, 2020).…”

Assessing the Impacts of Aquaculture Soundscapes on the Growth, Physiology and Behavior of Micropterus salmoides

“…This noise primarily originates from the operation of equipment such as water pumps, air blowers, and bubbles generated by aeration systems [13,14]. Different aquaculture systems may exhibit variations in sound levels, spectra, and temporal patterns, which could potentially have varying effects on the growth performance, physiological and behavioral traits of the cultured species [15][16][17]. Understanding these effects is crucial for developing effective soundscape management strategies to mitigate the impact on cultured species and protect the surrounding aquatic ecosystems.…”

Annoying noise: effect of anthropogenic underwater sound on the movement and feeding performance in the red cherry shrimp,Neocaridina davidi

“…In the second experiment, sound-related feeding distraction was investigated in response to ambient sound conditions as control and elevated generated sound level. Red cherry shrimps were exposed to a 400-2000 Hz acoustic stimulus generated under laboratory conditions mimicking a frequency bandwidth range that they can detect and represents most of the frequencies produces by human activities and shrimps can be exposed in their natural habitats and under rearing facility centers (Lovell et al, 2005; Slater et al, 2020).…”