Sounds fishy
6 November 2004
Plenty more fish in the sea? Maybe not. Scientists are warning that cod may have had its chips. Fishermen are casting digital sound recorders into the sea to try and improve stocks of cod and haddock.
Antenna investigates this fishy business.
What are they listening out for?
Cod and haddock make special sounds when they are meeting mates and laying eggs. Eavesdropping on the courting couples helps fishermen to locate and avoid these passion ponds.
Cod and haddock make special sounds when they are meeting mates and laying eggs. Eavesdropping on the courting couples helps fishermen to locate and avoid these passion ponds.
Image: MIT CFER
'By analysing these purrs, grunts and knocks, we can identify spawning grounds and protect them so that declining fish stocks can rebound.'
Cliff Goudey, Director, MIT Center for Fisheries Engineering Research
Cliff Goudey, Director, MIT Center for Fisheries Engineering Research
New Scientist reports that American researchers lowered digital sound recorders in watertight cases to the seafloor. It records up to 60 hours of the underwater pillow talk before being hauled up for analysis.
Cliff Goudey, Director, MIT Center for Fisheries Engineering Research.
Image: MIT CFER
Currently, cod fishing in the Irish and North Seas is restricted in the spring spawning season. These underwater listening stations could help locate and protect important breeding areas.
Scientists in Europe have also been tuning in to the sub-aqua symphony. Some scientists say North Sea cod stocks are so low we need an outright ban. Could you give up your cod and chips?
Image: freefoto.com