title: Effects of Exposure to the Sound from Seismic Airguns on Pallid Sturgeon and Paddlefish.
abstract: This study examined the effects of exposure to a single acoustic pulse from a seismic airgun array on caged endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) and on paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) in Lake Sakakawea (North Dakota, USA). The experiment was designed to detect the onset of physiological responses including minor to mortal injuries. Experimental fish were held in cages as close as 1 to 3 m from the guns where peak negative sound pressure levels (Peak- SPL) reached 231 dB re 1 μPa (205 dB re 1 μPa2·s sound exposure level [SEL]). Additional cages were placed at greater distances in an attempt to develop a dose-response relationship. Treatment and control fish were then monitored for seven days, euthanized, and necropsied to determine injuries. Necropsy results indicated that the probability of delayed mortality associated with pulse pressure following the seven day monitoring period was the same for exposed and control fish of both species. Exposure to a single pulse from a small air gun array (10,160 cm3) was not lethal for pallid sturgeon and paddlefish. However, the risks from exposure to multiple sounds and to sound exposure levels that exceed those reported here remain to be examined.
authors: Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America.
authors: Arthur N
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0312-7125
authors: AN
authors: Popper
authors: Smith - Root Inc., Vancouver, Washington, United States of America.
authors: Jackson A
authors: JA
authors: Gross
authors: ProBioSound, LLC, Holmes Beach, Florida, United States of America.
authors: Thomas J
authors: TJ
authors: Carlson
authors: University of Washington, School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, Seattle, Washington, United States of America.
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Skalski
authors: CSA Ocean Sciences Inc., Stuart, Florida, United States of America.
authors: John V
authors: JV
authors: Young
authors: Loughine Ltd, Kincraig, Blairs, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
authors: Anthony D
authors: AD
authors: Hawkins
authors: JASCO Applied Sciences Ltd., Washington, D.C., United States of America.
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Zeddies
mesh_terms: D000162:Acoustics; D000388:Air; D000818:Animals; D018534:Earth, Planet; D005399:Fishes / Q000293:injuries; D013016:Sound / Q000009:adverse effects*