The Science of Sound for Reef Regeneration
Dr Anjani Ganase reviews a recent study where healthy reef sounds promote recovery and regeneration on degraded reefs In a previous story, we discussed how noisy a coral reef is. (See https://wildtobago.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-sounds-of-life-underwater.html) The clicks and snaps of shrimp and crabs, and the grunts and the sighs of the many fish on the reef, may sound like white noise to us, but is easily deciphered by reef residents. Imagine walking through a city and hearing all the different sounds. The same way we differentiate sirens, street signals, chatter, construction, the fish can distinguish the noises on the reef. Being able to hear these reef sounds is important for visitors navigating the reef; and very important for the recruitment of new coral and fish life to replenish stocks. Fish and coral larvae are attracted to the sounds that resemble a healthy bustling underwater reef city. Other areas that are more de...