Underwater studies show that too much excess noise distracts the fish, three-spined sticklebacks, from eating. Scientists put speakers in the water at volume levels similar to those produced by recreational speedboats and the tests revealed that the fish become significantly clumsier and distracted with the extra noise. Even though the sticklebacks did not abandon the task completely, they still became less efficient in their feeding efforts. In a tank, these mistakes may seem a little silly, but in real life, it could cause the fish to consume harmful items. Noise pollution may not be a problem only for the sticklebacks, but it may eventually become a problem for marine mammals. Even though scientists know relatively little about the effects on fish, they do know that they are critically important to the human population because they are a main food source.
As much as we try, there is no possible way to reduce noise pollution in rivers and lakes enough to “save” the sticklebacks. It is true that there are potential risks, but so far, they are not so much of a big deal. This is America and people love boating, so how could we efficiently reduce the risk of killing the sticklebacks?
As much as we try, there is no possible way to reduce noise pollution in rivers and lakes enough to “save” the sticklebacks. It is true that there are potential risks, but so far, they are not so much of a big deal. This is America and people love boating, so how could we efficiently reduce the risk of killing the sticklebacks?
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