Soundtrack of the sea: divers use underwater speakers to help dying coral reefs
Summary
Divers off the northern coast of Jamaica are installing underwater speakers that play sounds of healthy coral reefs to attract marine life back to dying reefs. This method, called acoustic enrichment, is based on research showing that reef sounds help fish and coral organisms find a safe home, potentially aiding reef recovery.Key Facts
- Divers are using waterproof speakers underwater to play recorded sounds of healthy coral reefs for about 14 hours each day.
- The sound plays a mix of noises from snapping shrimp, fish, and currents, which healthy reefs naturally produce.
- Coral reefs are important ecosystems that cover 1% of the ocean floor but support 25% of marine life.
- Since 1950, about half of the world’s coral reefs have been lost due to pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
- Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, where corals lose essential algae and become vulnerable to disease.
- A study on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef showed that playing reef sounds doubled fish populations and increased species variety by 50% in damaged areas.
- The project in Jamaica works with the local Alligator Head Foundation to help restore reefs using sound and other conservation methods.
- Solar panels on the water’s surface power the underwater speakers.
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