Effects of low-frequency naval sonar exposure on three species of fish.

To address growing concern over the impact of anthropogenic sound on fishes, a series of experiments was conducted that exposed several fish species to high-intensity low-frequency naval sonar. This study extends auditory findings by adding largemouth bass, yellow perch, and channel catfish. No effects on hearing were found in largemouth bass and yellow perch and only small effects in channel catfish (a fish with morphological adaptations for enhanced pressure reception). Together with prior findings, these results suggest limited impact on hearing from high-intensity sonar. Susceptibility may be due to genetic stock, developmental conditions, seasonal variation, and/or buoyancy during exposure.