Spatial and temporal variability of the soundscape in a Southwestern Atlantic coastal lagoon

BAZTERRICA MC; GRAMMAUTA R.; BUSCAINO G.; SAL MOYANO M. P.; PAPALE E.; MAZZOLA S.; CERAULO M.; HIDALGO F.; GAVIO M. A.

HYDROBIOLOGIA

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2020 vol. 847 p. 2255 - 2277

0018-8158

Coastal lagoons are valuable sources ofecosystem services and important for regional developmentplans. Human pressure threats these areas, soincreasing knowledge about coastal lagoons is essentialto enhance their protection. Here we investigatedthe temporal and spatial patterns of the soundscape inthe Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon (Buenos Aires,Argentina), the unique coastal lagoon of Argentina.The study was conducted during May?June andNovember months. Four recorders were deployedalong the lagoon and one was located close to invasivepolychaete aggregates to investigate their effects onthe soundscape. The analysis of acoustic energyrevealed a strong circadian rhythm involving thelagoon and a spatial differentiation driven by lowfrequency (@ Hz) noise. The biophonic componentof the soundscape was dominated by black drumand crustaceans sounds with higher activity duringNovember and in the mouth of the lagoon. This areawas also the most affected by human noise. Thepolychaete aggregates determined changes on thebiophonical and geophonical components of thesoundscape. This study highlights the importance ofsoundscape analysis to assess ecosystem changesalong space and time, particularly in coastal lagoonssystems, where their dynamic and high productivitymake them key ecosystems.