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Professor Steve Simpson

Professor of Marine Biology & Global Change

2714

Hatherly B9

Hatherly Building, University of Exeter, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, EX4 4PS, UK

Office hours:

Academia provides amazing freedom to choose unconventional hours, work anywhere in the world, and communicate with collaborators across the globe. So if I am not in my office, please feel free to send me an email (S.Simpson@exeter.ac.uk) to arrange a meeting or Skype (sdsimpson).

Overview

I am a marine biologist and fish ecologist, with particular interests in the behaviour of coral reef fishes, bioacoustics, effects of climate change on marine ecosystems, fisheries, conservation and management. I lead a dynamic research group of ~10 postdocs, PhD and Masters students. Following a NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellowship I have ongoing links with industry and policy on the themes of European Fisheries and Climate Change, and Anthropogenic Noise and Marine Ecosystems. I work closely with Cefas and the Met Office, am an active member of the IQOE Science Committee, and have been an Academic Advisor and featured scientist in Blue Planet 2.

My work combines fieldwork, often through expeditions to remote and challenging environments around the world, with laboratory-based behaviour experiments, data-mining, and computer modelling.

My research focuses on:

The impact of anthropogenic noise on marine ecosystems
The effects of climate change on fish and fisheries
Sensory and orientation behaviour of marine organisms
Dispersal, connectivity and biogeography
Coral reef restoration
Fisheries and Conservation Management

My recent TEDx 2019 Talk: Changing the Soundtrack of the Ocean

BBC Earth film on my underwater acoustics work

Click here to watch my Facebook Live Q&A session

Publications and Research Profiles

Currrent opportunities for postgraduate study

I welcome discussions with potential Masters by Research students interested in undertaking a 12–24 month research project associated with current funded research programmes.

Short films on my research and knowledge exchange activities

Changing the Soundtrack of the Ocean (TEDx 2019 Talk)
Fish Sounds: Do fish talk to each other? (BBC Earth Film)
A new approach to sustainable fisheries (Research Feature)
Minimising the impact of man-made noise on marine life (Research Feature)
The Fishing Industry and Climate Change (Interview at Withdrawn Installation with artist Luke Jerram) (also on YouTube)
How Knowledge Exchange can benefit both industry and academia
The value of combining different scientific studies
Developing a stakeholder led vision for fisheries in the year 2050
How using a visioning approach can help combat today's issues

Impact Case Studies from my Research

Recent activites linking Research with Impact

-> Impacts of Marine Noise

Managing a NERC grant and supervising several PhDs, in association with Cefas, AIMS and Natural England, to explore impacts of underwater noise on fish ecology and populations.
Member of the International Quiet Ocean Experiment (IQOE) Science Committee, overseen by the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) and the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO)
Managed a 3-year KTP with an Associate embedded in HR Wallingford Ltd to develop a simulation model of impacts of noise on marine organisms. This included large-scale acoustic experiments in a dry dock in Newcastle.
Supervised a NERC Business Internship for 6 months for a postdoc to work with Sustainable Marine Energy Ltd and HR Wallingford Ltd on assessing impact of noise of a new tidal turbine device being installed in the Solent.
Built a mobile lab with Ecocean, a French Ecosystem Restoration company in Montpellier to assess impacts of marine noise on fish.
Working with Marine Scotland Science and a co-supervised PhD student to assess impacts of pile driving noise on salmon.
Am a UK representative on the EU Evidence Group on Impacts of noise in the Marine Environment for European Parliament, including presenting my research in Brussels.

-> Fisheries and Climate Change

Chaired a session at the Blue Marine Foundation / Fishmongers' Compary conference in November 2017 on "Best Practice in World Fisheries: Lessons for Brexit"
Co-wrote the 2017 Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership (MCCIP) report on Impacts of Climate Change on Fisheries which was summarised in the 2017 - 10-year Report Card.
Collaborating with a Penryn-based social scientist, a PhD and two Masters students to develop a vulnerability analysis for SW fisheries, with involvement of the Newlyn, Penzance, Plymouth and Brixham fleets.
Embedded a MSc Food Security student in the Cornish Sardine Management Association to understand and predict biological responses to climate change in pelagic fish species.
Organised a thinktank in London in September 2014 with representatives from science, industry, consumers, policy, law and politics to develop a "Vision of Sustainable Fisheries in 2050."
Developed a legal argument with a marine lawyer that demonstrates the illegality of overfishing, empowering the UK fishery minister for negotiations in Brussels (Plenty More Fish in the Sea?; Covered in the Times by Ben Webster)
Wrote the 2013 Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership (MCCIP) report on Impacts of Climate Change on Fish which was presented to Westminster in November 2013.

Research Findings and News Stories

Underwater Sound in Blue Planet II - evening lecture hosted by Intrepid Explorers at the Lyme Regis Marine Theatre
Habitat degradation negatively affects auditory settlement behavior of coral reef fishes (PNAS paper; Video abstract; Exeter press release; BBC video summary; Daily Mail article; ABC article)
Blue Planet II and the Future of our Oceans (guest lecture to the Baleares International College, Mallorca)
Pleased to join the Given Time Fleet Science Sailing for Science Programme as Science Adviser
Marine Noise Is Mentally and Physically Disturbing Fish - Hakai Magazine Feature
Fish have ears, so man-made noise threatens their survival - Exeter Research News
Fishes in a changing world: learning from the past to promote sustainability of fish populations (Discussion paper in Special FSBI17 Issue of JFB led by research group)
Understanding fish populations (Introduction Paper for Special FSBI17 Issue of JFB)
Blue Planet II and the Future of our Oceans (talk to Y4 at Our Lady of Muswell Primary School, London)
Blue Planet II and the Future of our Oceans (guest lecture to whole of Coldfall Primary School, London)
Our Planet, Our Borough! (Public Lecture + Q&A organised by Caroline West MP)
Excellent day at the Blue Belt Charter lauch in the House of Commons with my three UKOT project students
Effect of elevated CO2 and small boat noise on the kinematics of predator–prey interactions (Proc Roy Soc B paper)
The Future of the Oceans (Science Week Lecture at Environment Agency)
Underwater Sound, Blue Planet II and the Science of the Oceans (Series of Science Week activities at Horfield CE Primary School, Bristol)
Underwater Sound in Blue Planet II (Series of Science Week lectures at Brunel Academy, Bristol)
Impact of motorboats on fish embryos depends on engine type (Conservation Physiology paper)
University of Exeter Natural History Society (Evening Lecture)
The Future of the Oceans (Travelling with Vision Lecture at Arup HQ)
Understanding Blue Planet II: Coral Reefs (Evening Q&A at the Marine Biological Association)
School is out on noisy reefs: the effect of boat noise on predator learning and survival of juvenile coral reef fishes (Proc Roy Soc B Paper)
Sounds Good? The Acoustic Monitoring of Coral-Reef Health (BioScience Interview)
Honoured to be listed in Devon and Cornwall's 50 best and brightest - The West50
The mysteries of the deep: behind the scenes of BBC Blue Planet II (Public Lecture; YouTube Version; Devon Live Prequel; Devon Live Report)
Underwater Sound in Blue Planet II (Intrepid Explorers Lecture; Podcast Version)
Massive Fish Orgy Produces One of the Loudest Noises under the Sea (comment on emerging research for Scientific American)
Cod Love: The secret sounds of the seas (Interview on BBC R4 The World This Weekend)
Recording sound in a not so silent world (Feature on Blue Planet II website)
Noise pollution makes fish bad parents, but bubble curtains help (WIRED Article)
Blue Planet 2: How we hear the whales sing the blues underwater (Sunday Express article on acoustics in Blue Planet II)
Guest Speaker for Digital Explorer's Coral Live 2017: including George Heriot's School Edinburgh
Octopus invasion on Welsh beach blamed on effects of recent storms (Telegraph comment)
How did that get there? Plastic chunks on Arctic ice show how far pollution has spread (Observer Article on recent Arctic Mission by PhD student Tim Gordon)
Cod and haddock go north due to warming UK seas, as foreign fish arrive (Observer Article on recent paper from PhD graduate Dr Bryony Townhill)
Boat noise disrupts fish co-operation (new paper led by postdoc Dr Sophie Nedelec in Scientific Reports)
Lead Convenor for FSBI17: the 50th Anniversary Symposium of the FSBI
Motor-boat noise makes fish bad parents, leading to the death of their babies (Proc Roy Soc B paper)
Steve Simpson discusses coral reef acoustics in Underwater Acoustics features on International Dawn Chorus radio broadcast (03:54 in this link)
Steve Simpson and PhD student Tim Gordon present latest findings at Pint of Science event
Underwater acoustics research featured in BBC4 Sound Waves: The Symphony of Physics (with Helen Czerski)
Fish Accents & Aquatic Dawn Chorus - Mooney Goes Wild - RTÉ Radio Interview
Brits encouraged to give up traditional fish and chips as UK waters fill with exotic fish (Sunday Express article)
Fish recorded singing dawn chorus on reefs just like birds (New Scientist article)
This fish has a love song and it sounds like a windshield wiper (New Scientist article)
Exeter professor honoured for world-class fish research (2016 FSBI Medal recipient)
Repeated exposure to noise increases tolerance in a coral reef fish (Environmental Pollution paper)
Coral Triangle revealed as a net source of transoceanic diversity (Biology Letters paper)
Repeated exposure reduces the response to impulsive noise in European seabass (Global Change Biology paper)
Interview for BBC 5 Live on Coral Bleaching (broadcast on Drivetime show on Monday 30 May 2016)
Discussion on BBC Radio Bristol about recent Coral Bleaching (broadcast on the Laura Rawlings show on Monday 30 May 2016)
Oceanic noise pollution: You cannot see it, but it is there (Interview with German journalist Nele Roessler)
Is it a crocodile? Is it a dolphin? Chinese fishermen stunned after netting mysterious monster fish (Simpson identifies mystery creature for the Daily Mail)
The overlooked commotion of particle motion in the ocean (Methods in Ecology and Evolution paper)
Motorboat noise gives predators a deadly advantage (Nature Communications paper, Science Report, Guardian Report, Washington Post Report)
Combined impacts of elevated CO2 and anthropogenic noise on European sea bass (ICES Journal of Marine Science paper from 3rd year project student Danni Poulton)
Minimising the impact of man-made noise on marine life (Short Film: University of Exeter Research Feature)
Stress from noise may be short-lived (Royal Society Open Science paper)
Scientist helps bring Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef into UK homes (Contribution to David Attenborough's Great Barrier Reef Series)
Baby fish will be lost at sea in acidified oceans (Proceedings of the Royal Society B paper)
Impacts of noise on the behaviour, growth and development of larval cod (Proceedings of the Royal Society B paper)
Historical data hold secrets of one of UK’s favourite fish (Impacts of climate change on Arctic Cod explored using historic data in PLoS ONE paper)
Working with multiple partners to create a different world in 2050 (Partnership in Focus Feature on Fisheries 2050 Initiative)
The Fishing Industry and Climate Change (Interview at Withdrawn Installation with artist Luke Jerram) (also on YouTube)
Natural Histories: Burbot (BBC Radio 4 Documentary) and The decline of the 'disgusting' burbot (BBC Website)
How ocean temperatures are affecting the fish we eat (CBBC Newsround Feature)
Climate change and Fish & Chips (BBC Breakfast TV interview)
Warming seas pose habitat risk for fishy favourites (Nature Climate Change paper covered in: BBC, Guardian, Times, Independent, Telegraph, Independent, Daily Mail)
Article and film showcasing how Knowledge Exchange can benefit both industry and academia
You can hear the coral reefs dying (Mar Ecol Prog Ser paper: Mail article, BBC Radio Interview (at 1:20:45))
Expedition finds Nemo can travel great distances to connect populations (PLOS ONE paper: New Scientist article, National Geographic article, Guardian article, Mail article)
Major summer project on impacts of noise: Behind the scenes at 'the biggest fish tank you have ever seen' (Featured in Planet Earth Podcast: How marine life responds to underwater noise)
Man-made noise makes fish more susceptible to predators (Global Change Biology paper; NERC Planet Earth Report)
Large gurnard and chips: How our fish-eating habits will change as warmer sea temperatures mean the disappearance of cod from UK waters (Daily Mail article on changing fisheries due to warming seas)
Gurnard and chips, please: warmer seas change UK fish stock as cod head north (Guardian / Observer article on impacts of warming seas on UK fisheries)
Boat noise impacts development and survival of vital marine invertebrates (Scientific Reports Paper)
Noise pollution impacts fish species differently (PLoS ONE Paper)
Biosciences hosts high-calibre summer students (featuring the summer bursaries for Fiona Birch (BBSRC) and Jess Lister (FSBI))
Killing Nemo (film by 3rd year project students showcasing our research)
Developing and testing models of fish behaviour around tidal turbines (NERC Internship Award)
Water racket - fish reactions to noise vary between species (Animal Behaviour paper)
New partnership launched to predict impact of underwater noise on fish (NERC / TSB Knowledge Transfer Partnership)
Climate change prompts 'mackerel wars' (Global Post interview)
Crabs & ship noise (BBC Radio Cornwall interview)
Biosciences undergraduate to explore impacts of climate change on the Newlyn fishery (BES / Fishmongers Company funding)
Ship noise impairs feeding and and heightens predation risk for crabs (Animal Behaviour paper)
Boat noise stops fish finding home (MEPS paper)
Ship noise makes crabs get crabby (Biology Letters paper, Scientific American podcast)
Tropical plankton exodus by 2100 (New Scientist article)
Red gurnard and chips please (p7, Cabot Institute Report 2012)
Sustainable Fisheries Schools Resources (Digital Explorer Interview)
Great Barrier Reef in decline (Live interview with Huw Edwards on BBC 5 o'clock News)
TEDxBristol Talk: Future of the Oceans
Cabot Institute Podcast on Future of Fisheries - Burst Radio (Aug 2012)
Stranded whale in Severn Estuary (BBC Points West Interview on marine noise)
Bristol marine biologist explains how fish find home (ICRS Expert Panel)
A test of the senses in search of a shoal mate (Ecology paper)
Some like it hot – European fish stocks changing with warming seas (Current Biology paper, Guardian article, BBC article)
Steve Simpson awarded NERC KE Fellowship
Ocean acidification leaves clownfish deaf to predators (Biology Letters paper, BBC article, CBC Quirks and Quarks Interview, Naked Scientists Interview, Science News article)
Crustaceans Crave a Little Quiet (news feature in Science)
Secrets of the Night Reef: Noise that Can Terrify (Coral magazine article)
Rowdy residents warn crustaceans away from perilous reefs (PLoS ONE paper, NERC Article)
Latest research featured on NERC Planet Earth Podcast
Tracking the Ocean's Next Generation (Science News feature article)
A familiar racket helps fish find a suitable home (Coral Reefs paper)
Effects of El Niño land South Pacific reef fish in hot water (Global Change Biology paper, NERC Article)
Adventures in a sea of noise (re:search magazine article)
Taking the pulse of coral reefs (Journal of Marine Biology and Ecology paper)
Marine Pied Piper leads Nemo astray (Behavioral Ecology paper)
Baby corals dance their way home (PLoS ONE paper)

Qualifications

2000–2004 PhD, University of York, UK
1998–1999 MRes Marine & Coastal Ecology & Environmental Management, University of York, UK
1995–1998 BSc Marine Biology, University of Liverpool, UK

Career

2019–present Professor of Marine Biology & Global Change, University of Exeter
2016–2019 Associate Professor in Marine Biology & Global Change, University of Exeter
2012–2016 Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology & Global Change, University of Exeter
2011–2014 NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellow
2011 Postdoctoral Researcher, Defra-funded Anthropogenic Noise project, University of Bristol, UK
2008–2011 Postdoctoral Researcher, NERC Sustainable Marine Bioresources Initiative, University of Bristol, UK
2007–2008 Royal Society International Fellow and EPHE Postdoctoral Fellow, Université de Perpignan
2004–2007 NERC Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Edinburgh, UK

Research group links

Environmental Biology

Research

Research interests

Background

My first degree was in Marine Biology at the University of Liverpool (BSc Hons, 1998), during which I worked in Mozambique assessing the Quirimba Archipelago for Marine Protected Area status. Inspired by my time in the tropics, I followed this with a Masters degree at the University of York in Marine & Coastal Ecology & Environmental Management (MRes, 1999) where, under the guidance of Profs Rupert Ormond and Callum Roberts, I completed an Internship in the British Virgin Islands designing fisheries management tools for the developing world. I then spent a year working with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) in Western Australia, Raleigh International in Belize and with a UK environmental consultancy (CMACS). I completed my PhD (2000–2004) at the University of York supervised by Dr Calvin Dytham and Dr Mark Meekan (AIMS), focusing on the influence of behaviour of larval coral reef fish on dispersal and implications for population connectivity. I continued this line of study, combining field studies, electrophysiology, choice experiments and individual-based modelling, with a NERC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship which I held at the University of Edinburgh (2004–2008, working with Prof Victoria Braithwaite). I moved to Bristol in 2008 to work with Dr Martin Genner on the effects of climate change on European fish communities and implications for effective fisheries and conservation management under the NERC Sustainable Marine Bioresources theme. In parallel I developed some strong collaborations to study impacts of marine anthropogenic noise (shipping, pile-driving, drilling, etc.), and was Co-Investigator on a major Defra-funded project with Prof Andy Radford (Bristol). I also held a NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellow (2011–2014) which enabled me to develop strong links between the research community and industry and policy on the themes of European Fisheries and Climate Change, and Anthropogenic Noise and Marine Ecosystems. I joined the University of Exeter as a Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology and Global Change in Sept 2012, where I now have a thriving research group working on effects of climate change on European fisheries, and impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine ecosystems.

Research networks

Main Collaborators

Prof Andy Radford & Dr Martin Genner (University of Bristol)

Prof Simon Jennings (ICES)

Dr John Pinnegar (Cefas/University of East Anglia)

Dr Mark Meekan (Australian Institute of Marine Science)

Prof Phillip Munday & Prof Mark McCormick (James Cook University)

Prof Ivan Nagelkerken & Dr Tullio Rossi (University of Adelaide)

Dr Suzie Mills & Dr Ricardo Beldade (CRIOBE Moorea French Polynesia)

Dr Annie Linley (National Oceanographic Centre)

Dr Jonathan Tinker (Met Office Hadley Centre)

Additional Recent Collaborators

Dr Marc Holderied, Prof Daniel Robert, Prof Andy Ridgwell, Dr Erica Hendy (University of Bristol)

Dr Andrew Jeffs & Dr Craig Radford (University of Auckland New Zealand)

Prof Edd Codling & Prof David Smith (University of Essex UK)

Prof Calvin Dytham (University of York UK)

Dr Maud Ferrari & Prof Doug Chivers (University of Saskatchewan Canada)

Dr David Lecchini (CRIOBE Moorea French Polynesia)

Prof Mark Johnson (National University Ireland Galway)

Prof David Sims (Marine Biological Association UK)

Dr Julia Blanchard (University of Tasmania Australia)

Dr Serge Planes (Université de Perpignan France)

Dr Monica Gagliano (University of Western Australia)

Dr Hong Yan (Academia Sinica Taiwan)

Dr Matt Wittenrich (Florida Institute of Technology)

Dr Claire Paris (Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science Florida)

Dr Jen McIlwain & Dr Andrew Halford (Curtin University)

Dr Michel Claereboudt (Sultan Qaboos University Oman)

Dr Mark Vermeij (Carmabi Foundation Curacao)

Publications

Key publications | Publications by category | Publications by year

Key publications

Maltby KM, Rutterford LA, Tinker J, Genner MJ, Simpson SD (2020). Projected impacts of warming seas on commercially fished species at a biogeographic boundary of the European continental shelf. Journal of Applied Ecology, 57(11), 2222-2233.

© 2020 the Authors. Journal of Applied Ecology published by John Wiley. &. Sons Ltd on behalf of British Ecological Society Projecting the future effects of climate change on marine fished populations can help prepare the fishing industry and management systems for resulting ecological, social and economic changes. Generating projections using multiple climate scenarios can provide valuable insights for fisheries stakeholders regarding uncertainty arising from future climate data. Using a range of climate projections based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change A1B, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios, we modelled abundance of eight commercially important bottom dwelling fish species across the Celtic Sea, English Channel and southern North Sea through the 21st century. This region spans a faunal boundary between cooler northern waters and warmer southern waters, where mean sea surface temperatures are projected to rise by 2 to 4°C by 2098. For each species, Generalized Additive Models were trained on spatially explicit abundance data from six surveys between 2001 and 2010. Annual and seasonal temperatures were key drivers of species abundance patterns. Models were used to project species abundance for each decade through to 2090. Projections suggest important future changes in the availability and catchability of fish species, with projected increases in abundance of red mullet Mullus surmuletus L. Dover sole Solea solea L. John dory Zeus faber L. and lemon sole Microstomus kitt L. and decreases in abundance of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua L. anglerfish Lophius piscatorius L. and megrim Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis L. European plaice Pleuronectes platessa L. appeared less affected by projected temperature changes. Most projected abundance responses were comparable among climate projections, but uncertainty in the rate and magnitude of changes often increased substantially beyond 2040. Synthesis and applications. These results indicate potential risks as well as some opportunities for demersal fisheries under climate change. These changes will challenge current management systems, with implications for decisions on target fishing mortality rates, fishing effort and allowable catches. Increasingly flexible and adaptive approaches that reduce climate impacts on species while also supporting industry adaptation are required.

Abstract. Full text.

Gordon TAC, Radford AN, Davidson IK, Barnes K, McCloskey K, Nedelec SL, Meekan MG, McCormick MI, Simpson SD (2019). Acoustic enrichment can enhance fish community development on degraded coral reef habitat. Nature Communications, 10(1). Abstract. Full text.

Gordon TAC, Radford AN, Simpson SD (2019). Grieving environmental scientists need support. Science, 366(6462). Author URL.

Sainsbury NC, Genner MJ, Saville GR, Pinnegar JK, O’Neill CK, Simpson SD, Turner RA (2018). Changing storminess and global capture fisheries. Nature Climate Change, 8(8), 655-659. Abstract. Full text.

Gordon TAC, Harding HR, Wong KE, Merchant ND, Meekan MG, McCormick MI, Radford AN, Simpson SD (2018). Habitat degradation negatively affects auditory settlement behavior of coral reef fishes. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(20), 5193-5198. Abstract. Full text.

Simpson SD, Radford AN, Nedelec SL, Ferrari MCO, Chivers DP, McCormick MI, Meekan MG (2016). Anthropogenic noise increases fish mortality by predation. Nature Communications, 7(1). Full text.

Publications by category

Journal articles

McCloskey KP, Chapman KE, Chapuis L, McCormick MI, Radford AN, Simpson SD (2020). Assessing and mitigating impacts of motorboat noise on nesting damselfish. Environmental Pollution, 266 Abstract. Full text.

Fernandes JA, Rutterford L, Simpson SD, Butenschön M, Frölicher TL, Yool A, Cheung WWL, Grant A (2020). Can we project changes in fish abundance and distribution in response to climate?. Global Change Biology, 26(7), 3891-3905.

Hastings RA, Rutterford LA, Freer JJ, Collins RA, Simpson SD, Genner MJ (2020). Climate Change Drives Poleward Increases and Equatorward Declines in Marine Species. Curr Biol, 30(8), 1572-1577.e2. Abstract. Author URL.

Ginnaw GM, Davidson IK, Harding HR, Simpson SD, Roberts NW, Radford AN, Ioannou CC (2020). Effects of multiple stressors on fish shoal collective motion are independent and vary with shoaling metric. Animal Behaviour, 168, 7-17. Abstract.

Mills SC, Beldade R, Henry L, Laverty D, Nedelec SL, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2020). Hormonal and behavioural effects of motorboat noise on wild coral reef fish. Environmental Pollution, 262 Abstract. Full text.

Gordon TAC, Radford AN, Simpson SD, Meekan MG (2020). Marine restoration projects are undervalued. Science, 367(6478), 635-636. Author URL. Full text.

Abstract. Full text.

Lester EK, Langlois TJ, Simpson SD, McCormick MI, Meekan MG (2020). The hemisphere of fear: the presence of sharks influences the three dimensional behaviour of large mesopredators in a coral reef ecosystem. Oikos

© 2020 Nordic Society Oikos. Published by John Wiley. &. Sons Ltd Predators can exert strong ecological effects on their prey either via consumption or by altering their behaviour and morphology. In marine systems, predators and their prey co-occur in a three-dimensional environment, but to date predator–prey studies have largely focussed on behaviours of prey on horizontal (distance from shelter) rather than vertical (height in water column) axes. We used life-size shape-models of a blacktip reef shark Carcharhinus melanopterus (threatening shape-model), a juvenile coral trout Plectropomus leopardus (non-threatening shape-model) and a shape-control to examine the impact of perceived instantaneous (measured by time to first feeding) versus sustained (measured by time to consume the entire bait) predation threats on the feeding behaviour and three-dimensional use of space by mesopredatory reef fishes in a coral reef environment. We found that mesopredatory fishes such as red snapper Lutjanus bohar and spangled emperor Lethrinus nebulosus took longer to begin feeding and to consume predation assays (fish baits) at greater distances from the shelter of a patch reef across both horizontal and vertical axes and that this phenomenon was stronger in the vertical axis than the horizontal. The presence of a life-size shape-model of a shark, which we used to increase the perception of predator threat, magnified the instantaneous effect compared to non-threatening models, but not the sustained effect. We found no evidence for a difference in the level of predation risk posed by the shape-model of the juvenile coral trout (a non-threatening reef fish) and a negative control (no shape-model). Our study suggests that mesopredators modify their behaviours in response to the perceived risk of predation across both horizontal and vertical axes away from shelter, and that this response is most severe on the vertical axis, potentially limiting daytime foraging behaviour to a hemisphere around shelter sites.

Abstract.

Harding HR, Gordon TAC, Eastcott E, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2019). Causes and consequences of intraspecific variation in animal responses to anthropogenic noise. Behavioral Ecology, 30(6), 1501-1511. Abstract.

Obura DO, Aeby G, Amornthammarong N, Appeltans W, Bax N, Bishop J, Brainard RE, Chan S, Fletcher P, Gordon TAC, et al (2019). Coral Reef Monitoring, Reef Assessment Technologies, and Ecosystem-Based Management. FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE, 6 Author URL.

Townhill BL, Tinker J, Jones M, Pitois S, Creach V, Simpson SD, Dye S, Bear E, Pinnegar JK (2019). Corrigendum: Harmful algal blooms and climate change: Exploring future distribution changes (ICES Journal of Marine Science (2018) 75 (1882-1893) DOI: 10.1093/icesjms/fsy113). ICES Journal of Marine Science, 76(1). Abstract.

Gordon TAC, Radford AN, Simpson SD (2019). Grieving environmental scientists need support. Science, 366(6462). Author URL.

Radford AN, Harding HR, Gordon TAC, Simpson SD (2019). In a noisy world, some animals are more equal than others: a response to comments on Harding et al. Behavioral Ecology, 30(6), 1516-1517.

Montgomery DW, Simpson SD, Engelhard GH, Birchenough SNR, Wilson RW (2019). Rising CO2 enhances hypoxia tolerance in a marine fish. Scientific Reports, 9(1). Abstract. Full text.

McCormick MI, Allan BJM, Harding H, Simpson SD (2018). Boat noise impacts risk assessment in a coral reef fish but effects depend on engine type. Sci Rep, 8(1). Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

McCormick MI, Watson SA, Simpson SD, Allan BJM (2018). Effect of elevated CO<inf>2</inf> and small boat noise on the kinematics of predator – Prey interactions. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 285(1875). Abstract. Full text.

Harding HR, Gordon TAC, Hsuan RE, Mackaness ACE, Radford AN, Simpson SD (2018). Fish in habitats with higher motorboat disturbance show reduced sensitivity to motorboat noise. Biology Letters, 14(10). Abstract. Full text.

Gordon TAC, Harding HR, Clever FK, Davidson IK, Davison W, Montgomery DW, Weatherhead RC, Windsor FM, Armstrong JD, Bardonnet A, et al (2018). Fishes in a changing world: learning from the past to promote sustainability of fish populations. J Fish Biol, 92(3), 804-827. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Townhill BL, Tinker J, Jones M, Pitois S, Creach V, Simpson SD, Dye S, Bear E, Pinnegar JK (2018). Harmful algal blooms and climate change: exploring future distribution changes. ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE, 75(6), 1882-1893. Author URL.

Piercy JJB, Smith DJ, Jompa J, Simpson SD, Codling EA (2018). High temporal resolution sampling reveals reef fish settlement is highly clustered. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 75(4), 560-568. Abstract. Full text.

Jain-Schlaepfer S, Fakan E, Rummer JL, Simpson SD, McCormick MI (2018). Impact of motorboats on fish embryos depends on engine type. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY, 6 Author URL. Full text.

Meekan MG, McCormick MI, Simpson SD, Chivers DP, Ferrari MCO (2018). Never off the hook-how fishing subverts predator-prey relationships in marine teleosts. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 6(OCT). Abstract.

Ferrari MCO, McCormick MI, Meekan MG, Simpson SD, Nedelec SL, Chivers DP (2018). School is out on noisy reefs: the effect of boat noise on predator learning and survival of juvenile coral reef fishes. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 285(1871), 20180033-20180033.

Noise produced by anthropogenic activities is increasing in many marine ecosystems. We investigated the effect of playback of boat noise on fish cognition. We focused on noise from small motorboats, since its occurrence can dominate soundscapes in coastal communities, the number of noise-producing vessels is increasing rapidly and their proximity to marine life has the potential to cause deleterious effects. Cognition—or the ability of individuals to learn and remember information—is crucial, given that most species rely on learning to achieve fitness-promoting tasks, such as finding food, choosing mates and recognizing predators. The caveat with cognition is its latent effect: the individual that fails to learn an important piece of information will live normally until the moment where it needs the information to make a fitness-related decision. Such latent effects can easily be overlooked by traditional risk assessment methods. Here, we conducted three experiments to assess the effect of boat noise playbacks on the ability of fish to learn to recognize predation threats, using a common, conserved learning paradigm. We found that fish that were trained to recognize a novel predator while being exposed to ‘reef + boat noise’ playbacks failed to subsequently respond to the predator, while their ‘reef noise’ counterparts responded appropriately. We repeated the training, giving the fish three opportunities to learn three common reef predators, and released the fish in the wild. Those trained in the presence of ‘reef + boat noise’ playbacks survived 40% less than the ‘reef noise’ controls over our 72 h monitoring period, a performance equal to that of predator-naive fish. Our last experiment indicated that these results were likely due to failed learning, as opposed to stress effects from the sound exposure. Neither playbacks nor real boat noise affected survival in the absence of predator training. Our results indicate that boat noise has the potential to cause latent effects on learning long after the stressor has gone.

Abstract. Full text.

Simpson SD, Barber I, Winfield IJ (2018). Understanding fish populations. Journal of Fish Biology, 92(3), 563-568.

Townhill BL, Van Der Molen J, Metcalfe JD, Simpson SD, Farcas A, Pinnegar JK (2017). Consequences of climate-induced low oxygen conditions for commercially important fish. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 580, 191-204. Abstract. Full text.

Sherman KD, King RA, Dahlgren CP, Simpson SD, Stevens JR, Tyler CR (2017). Historical processes and contemporary anthropogenic activities influence genetic population dynamics of Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) within the Bahamas. Frontiers in Marine Science, 4(DEC). Abstract. Full text.

Nedelec SL, Mills SC, Radford AN, Beldade R, Simpson SD, Nedelec B, Côté IM (2017). Motorboat noise disrupts co-operative interspecific interactions. Scientific Reports, 7(1).

Nedelec SL, Radford AN, Pearl L, Nedelec B, McCormick MI, Meekan MG, Simpson SD (2017). Motorboat noise impacts parental behaviour and offspring survival in a reef fish. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 284(1856), 20170143-20170143. Abstract. Full text.

Townhill B, Pinnegar J, Tinker J, Jones M, Simpson S, Stebbing P, Dye S (2017). Non-native marine species in north-west Europe: Developing an approach to assess future spread using regional downscaled climate projections. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 27(5), 1035-1050.

Rossi T, Nagelkerken I, Simpson SD, Pistevos JCA, Watson SA, Merillet L, Fraser P, Munday PL, Connell SD (2017). Ocean acidification boosts larval fish development but reduces the window of opportunity for successful settlement. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 282(1821). Abstract. Full text.

Castro JM, Amorim MCP, Oliveira AP, Gonçalves EJ, Munday PL, Simpson SD, Faria AM (2017). Painted goby larvae under high-CO2 fail to recognize reef sounds. PLoS ONE, 12(1). Abstract. Full text.

Bruintjes R, Harding HR, Bunce T, Birch F, Lister J, Spiga I, Benson T, Rossington K, Jones D, Tyler CR, et al (2017). Shipbuilding Docks as Experimental Systems for Realistic Assessments of Anthropogenic Stressors on Marine Organisms. BIOSCIENCE, 67(9), 853-859. Author URL. Full text.

Simpson SD, Radford AN, Nedelec SL, Ferrari MCO, Chivers DP, McCormick MI, Meekan MG (2016). Anthropogenic noise increases fish mortality by predation. Nature Communications, 7(1). Full text.

Poulton DA, Porteus CS, Simpson SD (2016). Combined impacts of elevated CO₂ and anthropogenic noise on European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). ICES Journal of Marine Science: journal du conseil Abstract. Full text.

Purser J, Bruintjes R, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2016). Condition-dependent physiological and behavioural responses to anthropogenic noise. Physiology & Behavior, 155, 157-161. Abstract.

Purser J, Bruintjes R, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2016). Condition-dependent physiological and behavioural responses to anthropogenic noise. PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR, 155, 157-161. Author URL.

Nedelec SL, Campbell J, Radford AN, Simpson SD, Merchant ND (2016). Particle motion: the missing link in underwater acoustic ecology. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 7(7), 836-842. Full text.

Evans SM, McKenna C, Simpson SD, Tournois J, Genner MJ (2016). Patterns of species range evolution in Indo-Pacific reef assemblages reveal the Coral Triangle as a net source of transoceanic diversity. Biology Letters, 12(6), 20160090-20160090. Abstract. Full text.

Holles S, Simpson SD, Lecchini D, Radford AEN (2016). Playback experiments for noise exposure. , 875, 461-466. Abstract.

Bruintjes R, Purser J, Everley KA, Mangan S, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2016). Rapid recovery following short-term acoustic disturbance in two fish species. Royal Society Open Science, 3

Noise from human activities is known to impact organisms in a variety of taxa, but most experimental studies on the behavioural effects of noise have focused on examining responses associated with the period of actual exposure. Unlike most pollutants, acoustic noise is generally short-lived, usually dissipating quickly after the source is turned off or leaves the area. In a series of experiments, we use established experimental paradigms to examine how fish behaviour and physiology are affected, both during short-term (2 min) exposure to playback of recordings of anthropogenic noise sources and in the immediate aftermath of noise exposure. We considered the anti-predator response and ventilation rate of juvenile European eels (Anguilla anguilla), and ventilation rate of juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). As previously found, additional-noise exposure decreased eel anti-predator responses, increased startle latency and increased ventilation rate relative to ambient-noise-exposed controls. Our results show for the first time that those effects quickly dissipated; eels showed rapid recovery of startle responses and startle latency, and rapid albeit incomplete recovery of ventilation rate in the 2 min after noise cessation. Seabass in both laboratory and open-water conditions showed an increased ventilation rate during playback of additional noise compared to ambient conditions. However, within 2 min of noise cessation, ventilation rate showed complete recovery to levels equivalent to ambient-exposed control individuals. Care should be taken in generalizing these rapid-recovery results, as individuals might have accrued other costs during noise exposure and other species might show different recovery times. Nonetheless, our results from two different fish species provide tentative cause for optimism concerning recovery following short-duration noise exposure, and suggest that considering periods following noise exposures could be important for mitigation and management decisions.

Abstract. Full text.

Radford AN, Lèbre L, Lecaillon G, Nedelec SL, Simpson SD (2016). Repeated exposure reduces the response to impulsive noise in European seabass. Global Change Biology, 22(10), 3349-3360. Full text.

Nedelec SL, Mills SC, Lecchini D, Nedelec B, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2016). Repeated exposure to noise increases tolerance in a coral reef fish. Environ Pollut, 216, 428-436. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Simpson SD, Purser J, Radford AN (2015). Anthropogenic noise compromises antipredator behaviour in European eels. Global Change Biology, 21(2), 586-593. Abstract.

Simpson SD, Purser J, Radford AN (2015). Anthropogenic noise compromises antipredator behaviour in European eels. Glob Chang Biol, 21(2), 586-593. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Radford AN, Purser J, Bruintjes R, Wale M, Everley KA, Voellmy I, Holles S, Simpson SD (2015). Beyond a simple effect: Variable and changing responses to anthropogenic noise. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

Voellmy I, Purser J, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2015). Effects of previous acoustic experience on behavioral responses to experimental sound stimuli and implications for research. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

Rutterford L, Simpson SD, Jennings S, Johnson MP, Blanchard JL, Schön P-J, Sims DW, Tinker J, Genner MJ (2015). Future fish distributions constrained by depth in warming seas. Nature Climate Change Full text.

Townhill BL, Maxwell D, Engelhard GH, Simpson SD, Pinnegar JK (2015). Historical Arctic Logbooks Provide Insights into Past Diets and Climatic Responses of Cod. PLoS One, 10(9). Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Williams R, Wright AJ, Ashe E, Blight LK, Bruintjes R, Canessa R, Clark CW, Cullis-Suzuki S, Dakin DT, Erbe C, et al (2015). Impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine life: publication patterns, new discoveries, and future directions in research and management. Ocean & Coastal Management, 115, 17-24. Abstract.

Nedelec SL, Simpson SD, Morley EL, Nedelec B, Radford AN (2015). Impacts of predictable and unpredictable noise on the behaviour, growth and condition of larval Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Everley KA, Radford AN, Simpson SD (2015). Pile-driving noise impairs anti-predator behavior of the European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

Holles S, Simpson SD, Lecchini D, Radford AN (2015). Playback experiments for repeated boat noise exposure. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

One of 51 Authors, Simpson SD (2015). Prioritisation of knowledge-needs for sustainable aquaculture: a national and global perspective. Fish and Fisheries

Simpson SD, Radford AN, Holles S, Ferrari MCO, Chivers DP, McCormick MI, Meekan MG (2015). Small boat noise impacts natural settlement behaviour of coral reef fish larvae. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

Nedelec SL, Simpson SD, Holderied MW, Radford AN, Lecellier G, Radford C, Lecchini D (2015). Soundscapes and living communities in coral reefs: temporal and spatial variation. Marine Ecology: Progress Series Full text.

Piercy JJB, Smith DJ, Codling EA, Hill AJ, Simpson SD (2015). The good, the bad and the distant: Soundscape cues for larval fish. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

Parmentier E, Berten L, Rigo P, Aubrun F, Nedelec S, Simpson SD, Lecchini D (2015). The influence of various reef sounds on coral fish larvae behaviour. Journal of Fish Biology

Parmentier E, Berten L, Rigo P, Aubrun F, Nedelec SL, Simpson SD, Lecchini D (2015). The influence of various reef sounds on coral-fish larvae behaviour. Journal of Fish Biology, 86(5), 1507-1518. Abstract.

Radford AN, Kerridge E, Simpson SD (2014). Acoustic communication in a noisy world: can fish compete with anthropogenic noise?. Behavioral Ecology, 25, 1022-1030.

Simpson SD, Purser J, Radford AN (2014). Acoustic disturbance compromises fish anti-predator behaviour. Global Change Biology

Voellmy IK, Purser J, Flynn D, Kennedy P, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2014). Acoustic noise reduces foraging success in two sympatric species via different mechanisms. Animal Behaviour, 89, 191-198.

Nedelec S, Radford AN, Simpson SD, Nedelec B, Lecchini D, Mills SC (2014). Anthropogenic noise playback impairs embryonic development and increases mortality in a marine invertebrate. Nature Scientific Reports, 4 Full text.

Read J, Jones G, Radford AN (2014). Fitness costs as well as benefits are important when considering responses to anthropogenic noise. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY, 25(1), 4-7. Author URL.

Piercy JBB, Codling EA, Hill AJ, Smith DJ, Simpson SD (2014). Habitat quality affects sound production and likely distance of detection on coral reefs. Marine Ecology: Progress Series, 516, 35-47. Full text.

Voellmy IK, Purser J, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2014). Increased noise levels have contrasting impacts on anti-predator behaviour in two sympatric fish species. PLoS One, 7(9). Full text.

Simpson SD, Harrison HB, Claereboudt MR, Planes S (2014). Long-distance dispersal via ocean currents connects Omani clownfish populations throughout entire species range. PLoS One, 9(9). Full text.

Radford AN, Simpson SD (2014). Response to comments on how fish might adjust their acoustic communication in anthropogenic noise. Behavioral Ecology, 25, 1035-1036.

Holles S, Simpson SD, Radford AN, Berten L, Lecchini D (2013). Boat noise disrupts orientation behaviour in a coral reef fish. Marine Ecology: Progress Series, 485, 295-300. Full text.

Simpson SD, Piercy JJB, King J, Codling EA (2013). Modelling larval dispersal and behaviour of coral reef fishes. Ecological Complexity, 16, 68-76.

Simpson SD, Piercy JJ, King J, Codling EA (2013). Modelling larval dispersal and behaviour of coral reef fishes. Ecological Complexity

Simpson SD (2013). Never say never in a noisy world. Behavioral Ecology, 24, 798-799.

Wale MA, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2013). Noise negatively affects foraging and antipredator behaviour in shore crabs. Animal Behaviour

Wale MA, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2013). Noise negatively affects foraging and antipredator behaviour in shore crabs. Animal Behaviour, 86(1), 111-118.

Wale M, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2013). Playback of ship noise negatively affects foraging and anti-predator behaviour in shore crabs. Animal Behaviour

Wale M, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2013). Size-dependent physiological responses of shore crabs to single and repeated playback of ship noise. Biology Letters, 9, 20121194-20121194.

Lecchini D, Waqalevu VP, Holles S, LeRohellec M, Brié C, Simpson SD (2013). Vertical and horizontal distributions of coral reef fish larvae in open water immediately prior to reef colonization. Journal of Fish Biology

Lecchini D, Waqalevu VP, Holles S, Lerohellec M, Brie C, Simpson SD (2013). Vertical and horizontal distributions of coral-reef fish larvae in open water immediately prior to reef colonization. Journal of Fish Biology, 82(6), 2135-2140. Abstract.

Nagelkerken I, Simpson SD (2013). Who’s hot and who’s not: ocean warming alters species dominance through competitive displacement. Journal of Animal Ecology, 82, 287-289.

Huijbers CM, Nagelkerken I, Lössbroek PAC, Schulten IE, Siegenthaler A, Holderied MW, Simpson SD (2012). A test of the senses: Fish select novel habitats by responding to multiple cues. Ecology, 93(1), 46-55. Abstract. Full text.

Greenstreet SPR, Fraser HM, Rogers SI, Trenkel VM, Simpson SD, Pinnegar JK (2012). Redundancy in metrics describing the composition, structure, and functioning of the North Sea demersal fish community. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69(1), 8-22. Abstract.

Spencer M, Mieszkowska N, Robinson LA, Simpson SD, Burrows MT, Birchenough SNR, Capasso E, Cleall-Harding P, Crummy J, Duck C, et al (2012). Region-wide changes in marine ecosystem dynamics: State-space models to distinguish trends from step changes. Global Change Biology, 18(4), 1270-1281. Abstract.

Simpson SD, Radford AN, Tickle EJ, Meekan MG, Jeffs AG (2011). Adaptive avoidance of reef noise. PLoS One, 6(2). Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Simpson SD, Jennings S, Johnson MP, Blanchard JL, Schön P-J, Sims DW, Genner MJ (2011). Continental shelf-wide response of a fish assemblage to rapid warming of the sea. Curr Biol, 21(18), 1565-1570. Abstract. Author URL.

Lo-Yat A, Simpson SD, Meekan M, Lecchini D, Martinez E, Galzin R (2011). Extreme climatic events reduce ocean productivity and larval supply in a tropical reef ecosystem. Global Change Biology, 17(4), 1695-1702. Abstract.

Radford CA, Stanley JA, Simpson SD, Jeffs AG (2011). Juvenile coral reef fish use sound to locate habitats. Coral Reefs, 30(2), 295-305. Abstract.

Simpson SD, Munday PL, Wittenrich ML, Manassa R, Dixson DL, Gagliano M, Yan HY (2011). Ocean acidification erodes crucial auditory behaviour in a marine fish. Biol Lett, 7(6), 917-920. Abstract. Author URL.

Spencer M, Birchenough SNR, Mieszkowska N, Robinson LA, Simpson SD, Burrows MT, Capasso E, Cleall-Harding P, Crummy J, Duck C, et al (2011). Temporal change in UK marine communities: Trends or regime shifts?. Marine Ecology, 32(SUPPL. 1), 10-24. Abstract.

Simpson SD, Meekan MG, Larsen NJ, McCauley RD, Jeffs A (2010). Behavioral plasticity in larval reef fish: Orientation is influenced by recent acoustic experiences. Behavioral Ecology, 21(5), 1098-1105. Abstract.

Vermeij MJA, Marhaver KL, Huijbers CM, Nagelkerken I, Simpson SD (2010). Coral larvae move toward reef sounds. PLoS ONE, 5(5). Abstract. Full text.

Kennedy EV, Holderied MW, Mair JM, Guzman HM, Simpson SD (2010). Spatial patterns in reef-generated noise relate to habitats and communities: Evidence from a Panamanian case study. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY, 395(1-2), 85-92. Author URL.

Genner MJ, Halliday NC, Simpson SD, Southward AJ, Hawkins SJ, Sims DW (2010). Temperature-driven phenological changes within a marine larval fish assemblage. Journal of Plankton Research, 32(5), 699-708. Abstract.

Heenan A, Simpson SD, Meekan MG, Healy SD, Braithwaite VA (2009). Restoring depleted coral-reef fish populations through recruitment enhancement: a proof of concept. J Fish Biol, 75(7), 1857-1867. Abstract. Author URL.

Gagliano M, Depczynski M, Simpson SD, Moore JAY (2008). Dispersal without errors: Symmetrical ears tune into the right frequency for survival. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 275(1634), 527-534. Abstract.

Simpson SD, Jeffs A, Montgomery JC, McCauley RD, Meekan MG (2008). Nocturnal relocation of adult and juvenile coral reef fishes in response to reef noise. Coral Reefs, 27(1), 97-104. Abstract.

Simpson SD, Meekan MG, Jeffs A, Montgomery JC, McCauley RD (2008). Settlement-stage coral reef fish prefer the higher-frequency invertebrate-generated audible component of reef noise. Animal Behaviour, 75(6), 1861-1868. Abstract.

Simpson SD (2008). The sounds of the reef: can we learn to listen before it is too late?. Bioacoustics: the international journal of animal sound and its recording, 17, 28-29.

Simpson SD (2007). Behaviour of fish in noisy environments. Proceedings of the Institute of Acoustics, 29(PART 3), 241-248.

Dytham C, Simpson SD (2007). Elevated mortality of fish larvae on coral reefs drives the evolution of larval movement patterns. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 346, 255-264. Abstract. Full text.

Codling EA, Pitchford JW, Simpson SD (2007). Group navigation and the "many-wrongs principle" in models of animal movement. Ecology, 88(7), 1864-1870. Abstract. Full text.

Simpson SD (2007). The Kindergarten Diaries. Planet Earth(SUMMER), 10-11. Abstract.

Montgomery JC, Jeffs A, Simpson SD, Meekan M, Tindle C (2006). Sound as an Orientation Cue for the Pelagic Larvae of Reef Fishes and Decapod Crustaceans. Advances in Marine Biology, 51, 143-196.

The pelagic life history phase of reef fishes and decapod crustaceans is complex, and the evolutionary drivers and ecological consequences of this life history strategy remain largely speculative. There is no doubt, however, that this life history phase is very significant in the demographics of reef populations. Here, we initially discuss the ecology and evolution of the pelagic life histories as a context to our review of the role of acoustics in the latter part of the pelagic phase as the larvae transit back onto a reef. Evidence is reviewed showing that larvae are actively involved in this transition. They are capable swimmers and can locate reefs from hundreds of metres if not kilometres away. Evidence also shows that sound is available as an orientation cue, and that fishes and crustaceans hear sound and orient to sound in a manner that is consistent with their use of sound to guide settlement onto reefs. Comparing particle motion sound strengths in the field (8 × 10-11 m at 5 km from a reef) with the measured behavioural and electrophysiological threshold of fishes of (3 × 10-11 m and 10 × 10-11, respectively) provides evidence that sound may be a useful orientation cue at a range of kilometres rather than hundreds of metres. These threshold levels are for adult fishes and we conclude that better data are needed for larval fishes and crustaceans at the time of settlement. Measurements of field strengths in the region of reefs and threshold levels are suitable for showing that sound could be used; however, field experiments are the only effective tool to demonstrate the actual use of underwater sound for orientation purposes. A diverse series of field experiments including light-trap catches enhanced by replayed reef sound, in situ observations of behaviour and sound-enhanced settlement rate on patch reefs collectively provide a compelling case that sound is used as an orientation and settlement cue for these late larval stages. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Abstract.

Simpson SD, Meekan M, Montgomery J, McCauley R, Jeffs A (2005). Homeward sound. Science, 308(5719). Abstract. Author URL.

Simpson SD, Yan HY, Wittenrich ML, Meekan MG (2005). Response of embryonic coral reef fishes (Pomacentridae: Amphiprion spp.) to noise. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 287, 201-208. Abstract. Full text.

Simpson SD, Meekan MG, McCauley RD, Jeffs A (2004). Attraction of settlement-stage coral reef fishes to reef noise. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 276(1), 263-268. Abstract. Full text.

Codling EA, Hill NA, Pitchford JW, Simpson SD (2004). Random walk models for the movement and recruitment of reef fish larvae. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 279, 215-224. Abstract. Full text.

Watson M, Power R, Simpson SD, Munro JL (2002). Low cost light traps for coral reef fishery research and sustainable ornamental fisheries. Naga, the ICLARM Quarterly, 25, 4-7. Abstract. Full text.

Ducrotoy JPA, Simpson SD (2001). Developments in the application of photography to ecological monitoring, with reference to algal beds. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 11(2), 123-135. Abstract.

Chapters

Radford AN, Purser J, Bruintjes R, Voellmy I, Everley K, Wale M, Holles S, Simpson SD (2016). Beyond a simple effect: variable and changing responses to anthropogenic noise. In Popper AN, Hawkins A (Eds.) The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life II, Springer New York, 901-907.

Simpson SD, Radford AN, Holles S, Ferrari MCO, Chivers DP, McCormick MI, Meekan MG (2016). Small boat noise impacts natural settlement behaviour of coral reef fish larvae. In Popper AN, Hawkins A (Eds.) The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life II, Springer New York, 1041-1048.

Odling-Smee L, Simpson SD, Braithwaite VA (2007). The Role of Learning in Fish Orientation. In (Ed) Fish Cognition and Behavior, 119-138.

Conferences

Roberts L, Harding HR, Voellmy I, Bruintjes R, Simpson SD, Radford AN, Breithaupt T, Elliott M (2016). Exposure of benthic invertebrates to sediment vibration: from laboratory experiments to outdoor simulated pile-driving. Abstract. Full text.

Bruintjes R, Simpson SD, Harding H, Bunce T, Benson T, Rossington K, Jones D (2016). The impact of experimental impact pile driving on oxygen uptake in black seabream and plaice. Full text.

Bruintjes R, Armstrong-Smith E, Botterell Z, Renshaw E, Tozer B, Benson T, Rossington K, Jones D, Simpson SD (2014). A tool to predict the impact of anthropogenic noise on fish. Full text.

Voellmy I, Purser J, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2014). Assessing effects of increased noise levels on fish behaviour. Full text.

Broudic M, Berggren P, Laing S, Pace F, Neves S, Voellmy I, Dobbins P, Radford A, Simpson SD, Robinson S, et al (2014). Underwater noise emission from the NOAH’s drilling operation at the narec site, Blyth, UK. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Environmental Interactions of Marine Renewable Energy Technologies (EIMR2014). 28th Apr - 2nd May 2014. Abstract. Full text.

Harding H, Rutterford L, Genner M, Jennings S, Simpson SD (2013). Impacts of climate change on the body size of horse mackerel in the North Sea. ICES Annual Science Conference. Abstract. Full text.

Heenan A, Simpson SD, Braithwaite VA (2009). Testing the generality of acoustic cue use at settlement in larval coral reef fish. 11th International Coral Reef Symposium. Abstract. Full text.

Reports

Pinnegar JK, Garrett A, Simpson SD, Engelhard GH, van der Kooij J (2017). Fisheries. Full text.

Simpson SD, Blanchard, JL, Genner, MG (2013). Impacts of climate change on fish. 11 pages. Full text.

Publications by year

2020

Weschke E (2020). Ecological implications of motorboat noise on coral reef fish communities.

Anthropogenic noise is recognised as a major pollutant of international concern. Motorised vessels are the dominant source of anthropogenic noise in the marine environment. Small motorboats are widespread among coastal regions, exposing shallow marine ecosystems to noise disturbance. Short-term exposure to motorboat noise can have a profound impact on fish physiology and behaviour. However, it remains unclear how such impacts translate to wild fish assemblages. No study has yet investigated the community-wide implications of motorboat noise. The aim of this thesis is to review the current understanding of motorboat noise on fish ecology; provide the first assessment of chronic motorboat noise on a wild fish community; and consider future directions in research, management and mitigation. Using existing spatial variation in motorboat traffic across coral reefs in French Polynesia we carried out visual census techniques to investigate the effect of chronic motorboat noise on a coral reef fish community. In addition, we conducted a month-long motorboat manipulation of a coral reef with minimal disturbance history to test whether community responses can be experimentally induced. There was no difference in the overall fish abundance, species richness and diversity on coral reefs exposed to chronic motorboat noise. Yet, 5 species had significantly lower abundances, whilst 8 species had significantly greater abundances on reef exposed to chronic motorboat noise, resulting in a significant difference in the overall community composition. In addition, the month-long motorboat manipulation replicated the same response in two species as the previous study; though this was not enough to significantly alter the community composition. This study demonstrates that fish species respond differently to chronic motorboat noise, and community implications are more complex than previously predicted. Future studies should consider the diversity of functional traits, noise tolerance and interspecific interactions when investigating the ecological implications of motorboat noise on fishes.

Abstract. Full text.

Gordon TAC, Radford AN, Simpson SD, Meekan MG (2020). Marine restoration projects are undervalued. Science, 367(6478), 635-636. Author URL. Full text.

Abstract. Full text.

Abstract.

2019

Gordon T, Simpson S, McCloskey K, Nedelec S (2019). Acoustic enrichment can enhance fish community development on degraded coral reef habitat (dataset). Abstract. Full text.

Smith M (2019). Damsels and distress: Factors affecting Haemulidae distribution on Bahamian reefs.

The interconnected habitats of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass are home to a quarter of all known species in the marine environment. The interconnectivity of these areas improves species richness and density, even for species that do not use the habitats as a nursery. The communities that live as part of these ecosystems, just like many other marine species, are vulnerable to the effects of anthropogenic noise. Haemulidae spp. use the patch reef system protected by the Cape of Eleuthera as an intermediate nursery and exhibit a complex relationship with Stegastes spp. The importance of coral reef flats, such as those of Eleuthera, remains a crucial knowledge gap in our understanding of the coral reef nursery ecosystem. Also lacking is an understanding of the effect of chronic boat traffic on entire coral reef fish communities. This thesis aims to address these knowledge gaps across three chapters. Chapter 1 provides a literature review exploring Haemulidae spp. in the tropical marine environment and the importance of nursery habitats; Stegastes species in the tropical marine environment; and, the effects of anthropogenic noise in the marine environment. This highlights the current knowledge gaps and guides the data chapters. Chapter 2 presents a study in the patch reef system identifying the settlement habits of three Stegastes spp. (S. leucostictus, S. diencaeus, S. partitus) and the relationship with local Haemulidae spp. populations. This study identifies that this interaction may be an indication of reef health, as well as shedding light on a competitive hierarchy that exists amongst Stegastes spp. Chapter 3 presents a community level study (53 species, 14,970 individuals, 6 patch reefs) comparing the reactions of the patch reefs either communities protected from or exposed to chronic boat traffic. The chronic effect of boat traffic had a detrimental effect on density, species richness and recruitment compared to similar reefs. This was particularly noticeable with the Haemulidae spp. using the patch reef system as an intermediate nursery. This could mean that chronic boat traffic is influencing recruitment as well as having wider implications for reef health.

Abstract. Full text.

Gordon TAC, Radford AN, Simpson SD (2019). Grieving environmental scientists need support. Science, 366(6462). Author URL.

Davidson IK (2019). HEARING NEMO:. ALARM CALLING BEHAVIOUR. IN a CORAL REEF FISH. Abstract. Full text.

Radford AN, Harding HR, Gordon TAC, Simpson SD (2019). In a noisy world, some animals are more equal than others: a response to comments on Harding et al. Behavioral Ecology, 30(6), 1516-1517.

Montgomery DW, Simpson SD, Engelhard GH, Birchenough SNR, Wilson RW (2019). Rising CO2 enhances hypoxia tolerance in a marine fish. Scientific Reports, 9(1). Abstract. Full text.

Montgomery D, Simpson S, Birchenough S, Engelhard G, Wilson R (2019). Rising CO2 enhances hypoxia tolerance in a marine fish. Full text.

Corbett WT (2019). The Behavioural and Physiological Effects of Pile-driving Noise on Marine Species.

Anthropogenic noise is a recognised pollutant in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Noise levels in the ocean have risen greatly over the past few decades. The principal low-frequency background noise in the oceans is generated by commercial shipping, and can have a profound impact on fitness in a variety of marine species. Additionally, the loud impulsive noise from industrial pile-driving activity is increasingly prevalent in the oceans due to the recent development of offshore windfarms to meet renewable energy targets. Little research has explored the impact that this noise is having on marine species, especially invertebrates. The aim of this thesis is to explore the physiological and behavioural responses of marine species to playback of pile-driving noise, using playback of ambient marine sound as a control. The first study aimed to assess the physiological and behavioural response of the decapod crustacean Carcinus maenas to pile-driving noise playback in experimental tanks. In the physiological experiment, crabs did not significantly differ in their oxygen consumption or haemolymph parameters in response to pile-driving noise and ambient sound. However, in the behavioural feeding experiment, crab behaviour was significantly altered during pile-driving playback, including increased time spent immobile and decreased likelihood to feed. The second study aimed to assess the avoidance behavioural response of marine fish in their natural environment to pile-driving noise playback by use of a baited remote underwater video (BRUV) system coupled with a loudspeaker. Playback of pile-driving noise had a significant effect on the number of pelagic fish species surrounding the BRUV, indicating an avoidance effect. However, playback did not have a significant effect on the number of benthic fish species or species richness. Both these studies demonstrate that pile-driving noise causes behavioural changes in marine species, which could have potential fitness costs. Thus, exploration into ways of mitigating noise impacts when undertaking pile-driving activities in the ocean should be further explored.

Abstract. Full text.

2018

McCormick MI, Allan BJM, Harding H, Simpson SD (2018). Boat noise impacts risk assessment in a coral reef fish but effects depend on engine type. Sci Rep, 8(1). Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Jain-Schlaepfer S, Fakan E, Rummer JL, Simpson SD, McCormick MI (2018). Impact of motorboats on fish embryos depends on engine type. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY, 6 Author URL. Full text.

Abstract. Full text.

Simpson SD, Barber I, Winfield IJ (2018). Understanding fish populations. Journal of Fish Biology, 92(3), 563-568.

2017

Pinnegar JK, Garrett A, Simpson SD, Engelhard GH, van der Kooij J (2017). Fisheries. Full text.

Nedelec SL, Mills SC, Radford AN, Beldade R, Simpson SD, Nedelec B, Côté IM (2017). Motorboat noise disrupts co-operative interspecific interactions. Scientific Reports, 7(1).

2016

Simpson SD, Radford AN, Nedelec SL, Ferrari MCO, Chivers DP, McCormick MI, Meekan MG (2016). Anthropogenic noise increases fish mortality by predation. Nature Communications, 7(1). Full text.

Purser J, Bruintjes R, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2016). Condition-dependent physiological and behavioural responses to anthropogenic noise. Physiology & Behavior, 155, 157-161. Abstract.

Purser J, Bruintjes R, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2016). Condition-dependent physiological and behavioural responses to anthropogenic noise. PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR, 155, 157-161. Author URL.

Nedelec SL, Campbell J, Radford AN, Simpson SD, Merchant ND (2016). Particle motion: the missing link in underwater acoustic ecology. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 7(7), 836-842. Full text.

Holles S, Simpson SD, Lecchini D, Radford AEN (2016). Playback experiments for noise exposure. , 875, 461-466. Abstract.

Bruintjes R, Purser J, Everley KA, Mangan S, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2016). Rapid recovery following short-term acoustic disturbance in two fish species. Royal Society Open Science, 3

Abstract. Full text.

Bruintjes R, Simpson SD, Harding H, Bunce T, Benson T, Rossington K, Jones D (2016). The impact of experimental impact pile driving on oxygen uptake in black seabream and plaice. Full text.

2015

Simpson SD, Purser J, Radford AN (2015). Anthropogenic noise compromises antipredator behaviour in European eels. Global Change Biology, 21(2), 586-593. Abstract.

Simpson SD, Purser J, Radford AN (2015). Anthropogenic noise compromises antipredator behaviour in European eels. Glob Chang Biol, 21(2), 586-593. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Everley KA, Radford AN, Simpson SD (2015). Pile-driving noise impairs anti-predator behavior of the European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

Holles S, Simpson SD, Lecchini D, Radford AN (2015). Playback experiments for repeated boat noise exposure. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

One of 51 Authors, Simpson SD (2015). Prioritisation of knowledge-needs for sustainable aquaculture: a national and global perspective. Fish and Fisheries

Piercy JJB, Smith DJ, Codling EA, Hill AJ, Simpson SD (2015). The good, the bad and the distant: Soundscape cues for larval fish. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

Parmentier E, Berten L, Rigo P, Aubrun F, Nedelec S, Simpson SD, Lecchini D (2015). The influence of various reef sounds on coral fish larvae behaviour. Journal of Fish Biology

2014

Bruintjes R, Armstrong-Smith E, Botterell Z, Renshaw E, Tozer B, Benson T, Rossington K, Jones D, Simpson SD (2014). A tool to predict the impact of anthropogenic noise on fish. Full text.

Radford AN, Kerridge E, Simpson SD (2014). Acoustic communication in a noisy world: can fish compete with anthropogenic noise?. Behavioral Ecology, 25, 1022-1030.

Simpson SD, Purser J, Radford AN (2014). Acoustic disturbance compromises fish anti-predator behaviour. Global Change Biology

Voellmy I, Purser J, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2014). Assessing effects of increased noise levels on fish behaviour. Full text.

Read J, Jones G, Radford AN (2014). Fitness costs as well as benefits are important when considering responses to anthropogenic noise. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY, 25(1), 4-7. Author URL.

Voellmy IK, Purser J, Simpson SD, Radford AN (2014). Increased noise levels have contrasting impacts on anti-predator behaviour in two sympatric fish species. PLoS One, 7(9). Full text.

Appleby T, Everard M, Palmer R, Simpson SD (2014). Plenty More Fish in the Sea? a working paper on the legal issues related to fishing beyond maximum sustainable yield: a UK case study. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Radford AN, Simpson SD (2014). Response to comments on how fish might adjust their acoustic communication in anthropogenic noise. Behavioral Ecology, 25, 1035-1036.

2013