Fish sounds and noise pollution: Engaging the public in bioacoustics
Davies, H.L.; Shafer, H.M.; Spriel, B.; Looby, A.; Murchy, K.A.; Vela, S.; Juanes, F.; Cox, K. (2025). Fish sounds and noise pollution: Engaging the public in bioacoustics, in: Popper, A.N. et al. (2026). The effects of noise on aquatic life IV. pp. 1-14. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-94229-7_176-1
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| Author keywords |
Community engagement · K–12 education · Ocean literacy · Online resources · Public outreach · Science communication · Soundscape ecology |
| Authors | | Top |
- Davies, H.L.
- Shafer, H.M.
- Spriel, B.
- Looby, A.
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- Murchy, K.A.
- Vela, S.
- Juanes, F.
- Cox, K.
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| Abstract |
Science literacy is essential to ensure public awareness of research findings and foster meaningful engagement with scientific endeavors. However, a disconnect persists between scientific research and public understanding, as outreach is frequently overlooked in favor of data collection, analysis, and publication. Here, the authors describe their outreach initiative, FishSounds Educate, aimed at increasing the accessibility of ocean acoustics research, with a focus on fish sounds, noise pollution, and the broader effects of sounds on aquatic life. Bioacoustics provides an engaging entry point into topics such as fish and invertebrate biology, marine ecology, the physics of sound, and human impacts on aquatic environments. To cultivate public engagement, the authors developed and implemented interactive workshops, activity tables, seminars, and a coloring book, adaptable for all ages, from elementary to university-level students and lifelong learners. As of summer 2025, they have reached almost 4000 participants with more than 80 visits to schools, universities, aquariums, nature clubs, and public programs. Through FishSounds Educate, the authors have gained valuable insights into making bioacoustics research more accessible and are applying these lessons to ongoing work, including adapting a recent meta-analysis for young readers. Their experiences highlight the benefits of integrating outreach into research from the outset. |
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