Data set: Vessel noise affects routine swimming and escape response of coral reef fish

Abstract [Related Publication]: Rising noise levels in marine ecosystems are due primarily to increased human activities and have been shown to negatively affect the physiology and behaviour of fishes. However, the nature of these effects depends on the sound source. Recreational boating and shipping are two of the most common sources of anthropogenic noise on coral reefs, however their effects remain largely unknown. We examined the effects of noise from 4-stroke outboard-powered boats and ships (bulk carriers > 50,000 tonnes) on the escape response and routine swimming of whitetail damselfish (Pomacentrus chrysurus). Both 4-stroke and ship noise playbacks affected the escape response and routine swimming of whitetail damselfish, however the magnitude of the effects differed. Fish exposed to ship noise responded more slowly (higher response latency) and moved shorter distances when exposed to the stimulus compared to individuals exposed to 4-stroke noise. Our study suggests that exposure to anthropogenic noise increases the vulnerability of individuals to predation and corroborates that the effects of noise on fish depend on the noise source. Our results highlight the need to consider the impact of anthropogenic noise in future marine management plans, particularly recreational boating and commercial shipping, which are two of the most common sources of anthropogenic noise on coral reefs. Dataset consists of a spreadsheet recording the escape response and routine swimming variables of individuals exposed to three different acoustic treatments. The full methodology is available in the Open Access publication shown in the Related Publications link below.