ICER researchers are exploring the influence of sound on the behaviour of fish groups. Building on previous research in the area of fisheries acoustics this body of research aims to quantify the extent to which being part of a school influences the reaction of fish to acoustic stimuli, using the minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) as the model species.

Using experimental facilities at ICER, and working closely with the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR), acoustic fields are generated and mapped. The movements of the subject fish are recorded and tracked relative to alternative sound fields. By using state-of-art filming and particle tracking techniques, reactions are observed and analysed relative to positional data of the fish to quantify how spatial distribution changes under different treatments in which acoustic pressure and particle motion is manipulated. Further, in the aquatic environment fish frequently form aggregations. Existing research concerning fish and acoustic stimuli has traditionally focused on solitary fish or small groups. Our research compares between the two. It is hoped that this research will lead to the development of more efficient environmental impact mitigation technology, such as behavioural fish screens / deterrents.

People:

Matt Short

Prof. Paul Kemp

Prof. Paul White

Prof. Tim Leighton