Behavioral Effects of Sound Sources from Offshore Renewable Energy Construction on the Black Sea Bass (Centropristis Striata) and Longfin Squid (Doryteuthis Pealeii): A Field-Based Study

Personal Author: Mooney TA; Cones S; Jarriel S; Formel N; Ferguson S; Aoki N; Stanley JA; Jezequel Y

Publication Title: Behavioral Effects of Sound Sources from Offshore Renewable Energy Construction on the Black Sea Bass (Centropristis Striata) and Longfin Squid (Doryteuthis Pealeii): A Field-Based Study

Subject: Anthropogenic Properties; Fisheries and Aquaculture
Fish & Essential Fish Habitat
acoustics; fish; pile driving; vibratory; impact; black sea bass; squid; behavior; sound

CSE Reference: Mooney TA, Cones S, Jarriel S, Formel N, Ferguson S, Aoki N, Stanley JA, Jezequel Y. (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA). 2024. Behavioral effects of sound sources from offshore renewable energy construction on the black sea bass (Centropristis striata) and longfin squid (Doryteuthis pealeii): a field-based study. Sterling (VA): U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. 106 p. Obligation No.: M20AC10009. Report No.: BOEM 2024-061. URL: https://espis.boem.gov/final%20reports/BOEM_2024-061.pdf

Abstract: Field studies were conducted in Woods Hole, Massachusetts to evaluate the behavioral effects of sound sources from offshore renewable energy construction on the black sea bass (Centropristis striata) and longfin squid (Doryteuthis pealeii). The results showed rapid habituation of squid to pile driving sound, and an apparent resilience to this intense sound stimuli, ultimately showing minimal effects on this ecologically and commercially key taxon. Similarly, for black sea bass, both tank and field studies observed animals moving to the bottom and exhibiting crypsis and vigilance (in response to an apparent threat). This suggests that, at least for some taxa, tank-based studies can provide valuable information addressing how animals may be adversely affected by anthropogenic sound.