Underwater noise pollution also disturbs fish, study suggests

Plastics and oil aren't the only types of pollution having a negative impact on fish.

According to a new studyentitledSound the Alarm, noise is also agrowing problem for the aquatic animals.

"In terms of fish behaviour and physiology, it's negative responses across the board," said KieranCox, a doctoral student at the University of Victoria.

Cox and fish ecologist, Francis Juanes,led the collaborative team that conducted the research, which was published in the peer-reviewed journalGlobal Change Biology.

Theyreviewed42 studies involving human-caused underwater noise and its impact on fish.

Researchers have already studied the more well-known impact of underwater noise pollution on larger creatures like killer whales, but the research team saysfish also pay a price for living in increasinglynoisy waters.

Approximately 700 fish species use sound to communicate.The researchers found thateven the noise from a small boat motor can be disruptive.

"Their foraging behaviour, their perception of predation, all of these kinds of things are affected," said Cox.

And, just with like humans,unexpected noises can befrightening for fish.

"Stress in fish is going up, across species andacrossexperimental conditions," he said.

Cox believesunderwater noise pollution is a problem that needs more attention. The study found that noise in the ocean has been increasing steadily in the past few decades.

More studies are underway, including research on the impact of noise on British Columbia's salmon populations.

With files from Greg Rasmussen