Global Warming is resulting in Deaf Fish
New Scientist has just published an article regarding a study of fish living in the tropical waters of Australia. The study has found that there is an increasing number of fish being born deaf, with misshapen ear bones. This in turn, increases the likelihood that they will become lost and die.
Newly born reef fish tend to spend a few weeks out in the open seas before returning home. When they return home, it appears that they rely on sound to help guide them. The sounds include other sea creatures (such as sea urchins, shrimp, and other fish) as well as crashing waves in the distance. If they are deaf, they are less likely to be able to find their way back home.
In particular, Larval Ambon damselfish are more likely to be born deaf, with otolith asymmetry, if their parents are exposed to warmer, more acid seas. And this is exactly what’s happening around tropical waters such as Lizard Island and the Great Barrier Reef (where the study was undertaken). Increased acidification reduces the availability of calcium to be absorbed by fish to make bones.
However, Arthur Popper, director of the Aquatic Bioacoustics Laboratory at the University of Maryland, College Park, US points out that a direct link between otolith asymmetry and increased mortality hasn’t yet been proven. He also says that he’s not convinced that otolith asymmetry would affect a fish’s ability to locate a sound.
In any case, the study does demonstrate a strong link between warmer oceans and deaf fish - which is not a good thing.
Tags: australia, Climate Change, fish, Global Warming, great barrier reef
