Revealing the Secrets of the Deep: A Comprehensive Inventory of Underwater Sound-Producing Species

A groundbreaking achievement has been accomplished by a dedicated team of scientists who have meticulously compiled an extensive inventory of aquatic species that are either known or suspected to produce sound beneath the ocean’s surface. This remarkable endeavor has unveiled a staggering 22,000 species, shattering the conventional belief that the underwater realm is predominantly characterized by silence. This monumental undertaking promises to propel the fields of marine and aquatic sciences into uncharted territories.

The quest to unravel the enigmatic world beneath the waves has been greatly enriched by an international collaboration, led by Audrey Looby of the University of Florida’s Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. This remarkable initiative, known as the Global Library of Underwater Biological Sounds, partnered with the World Register of Marine Species to meticulously document 729 aquatic mammals, tetrapods, fishes, and invertebrates that actively or passively generate sounds. Furthermore, this comprehensive inventory includes an astounding 21,911 species that are believed to possess sound-producing capabilities.

The Unique Drumming Sounds of Red Drum Fish

One captivating example of these aquatic sound producers is the red drum fish (Sciaenops ocellatus), aptly named for the distinctive drumming sounds it emits during reproductive rituals, as observed in the Discovery Room of the Nature Coast Biological Station.

With over 70% of our planet’s surface covered by water, the misconception that aquatic organisms are generally silent has prevailed. However, the publication of this comprehensive digital database, which categorizes the sounds emitted by various animals, marks a historic milestone and has the potential to revolutionize the realm of marine and aquatic science.

A Symphony Beneath the Waves: Fish Auditioning in a Controlled Environment

The capacity to eavesdrop on underwater sounds opens a realm of possibilities for gaining insights into the species responsible for these acoustic phenomena. This knowledge has diverse applications, ranging from enhancing fisheries management and detecting invasive species to improving restoration efforts and assessing the environmental impacts of human activities. Audrey Looby, the leader of this remarkable initiative, is also the co-creator of FishSounds, a global repository of research on fish sound production.

Unveiling the Nest-Building Plainfin Midshipman Fish

A striking example from this extensive inventory is the nest-building plainfin midshipman fish, captured on film by Mackenzie Woods during her thesis research in Washington.

The research endeavor, titled “Global Inventory of Species Categorized by Known Underwater Sonifery,” involves the collaborative efforts of 19 authors spanning six countries. This monumental project received funding from the Richard Lounsbery Foundation and is the culmination of centuries of scientific dedication aimed at documenting the sounds that emanate from beneath the waves.

Harmonious River Dolphins of the Amazon

The sounds of Amazon River Dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) recorded in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in Peru, as part of the work conducted by Rountree et al. in 2022, further exemplify the diverse auditory landscape beneath the water’s surface.

While the public is familiar with the sounds of whales and dolphins, it may come as a surprise that many fish species and invertebrates also employ sound as a means of communication. Audrey Looby emphasizes that while this dataset underscores the widespread prevalence of underwater sound production across a diverse array of animals, there is still much to discover and comprehend in this intriguing soundscape.

In conclusion, the publication of the research paper titled “Global Inventory of Species Categorized by Known Underwater Sonifery” on December 18, 2023, in the journal Scientific Data is a momentous leap forward in our understanding of the acoustic world hidden beneath the waves. This freely available data promises to play a pivotal role in advancing our global comprehension of marine species’ interactions with their environments, representing a significant milestone in the pursuit of knowledge about the aquatic realm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Underwater Sonifery

More about Underwater Sonifery

• Scientific Data Journal – Global Inventory of Species Categorized by Known Underwater Sonifery
• University of Florida Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• World Register of Marine Species
• FishSounds – Global Inventory of Fish Sound Production Research
• Richard Lounsbery Foundation
• Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
• [Rountree et al. 2022 – Research on Amazon River Dolphins](Insert Link if available)