Boat noise alters individual behaviors but not communication between partners in a fish-shrimp mutualism

Manera, Jack L.; Martin, Jake M.; Palacios, Maria M.; Mason, Rachel T.; McCormick, Mark, I; Wong, Bob B. M.

doi:10.1093/beheco/araf110

Abstract

Persistent noise pollution produced by boat traffic is reshaping marine soundscapes globally. Despite growing ecological concern, most studies to date have focused on individual-level effects under laboratory conditions, leaving major gaps in our understanding of how boat noise shapes species interactions in the wild. Using field-based behavioral assays, we investigate how boat noise from different engine types (4-stroke and 2-stroke) affects the mutualistic partnership between Steinitz's goby (Amblyeleotris steinitzi) and snapping shrimp (Alpheus spp.). Across 123 partnerships, we recorded behavioral responses before, during, and after noise exposure. Gobies increased burrow use during 4-stroke boat noise exposure, while shrimp responded stronger to 2-stroke noise-reflecting taxon-specific sensitivities to different noise spectra. Despite these shifts, tactile partner communication was not affected by boat noise. These findings highlight divergent vulnerabilities between species tied to different engine acoustics and emphasize the need for targeted research to inform strategies for mitigating marine noise pollution.Boat noise disrupts how gobies and shrimp share their burrows, with each species responding differently depending on engine type. While gobies perceived the noise from 4-stroke powered boats as a greater threat, shrimp responded stronger to 2-stroke noise. Despite these shifts, their tactile communication-key to their mutualism-was robust to noise exposure. Our study highlights that engine choice can shape species-specific responses, informing better management of marine noise pollution.

Keywords

Amblyeleotris steinitzi; animal behavior; field study; interspecific interactions; noise pollution; ocean noise

Published in

Behavioral Ecology
2025, volume: 36, number: 5, article number: araf110
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC

SLU Authors

Martin, Jake
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
- Deakin University
- Monash University

UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology
Fish and Aquacultural Science
Behavioral Sciences Biology

Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/araf110

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/144448