The Influence of Underwater Sound Strength on Boronang Fish Populations in Seaweed Cultivation Areas
Ma^ruf Kasim1, Mustarum Musaruddin2, Nurdiana1, Liza Kurnia Mansur1, Ratna Diyah Palupi1, Wardha Jalil3, Amadhan Takwir1

1Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Indonesia
2Faculty of Engineering, Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Indonesia
3Faculty of Fishery, Dayanu Iksanuddin University. Baubau, Indonesia.

Abstract

One of the fascinating oceanic phenomena is underwater sound. The underwater sound may travel far and spread very quickly. Marine organisms, particularly fish and mammals, can be affected by underwater sounds. The Siganus fish is one of the organisms that can be influenced by underwater sound. This study aims to determine the sound strength of the fish population in seaweed cultivation areas. This research was carried out in May and July at seaweed cultivation areas in Baubau City, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The underwater sound source is produced by a seaweed pest repellent which is designed as a waterproof device and specifically emits sound with a certain strength underwater. Measuring the underwater sound strength, an underwater sound meter with the SW524 Sound Level Meter with a response level of 31.5 Hz-5.8 kHz was used. This research found that sound strength and fish population (Siganus sp.) are negatively correlated. At a sea area^s 60 m diameter, underwater sound can spread swiftly at a strength level of 76.19-83.09 dB. The largest distance can be 150 m in circumference of the sea region when multiplied at a strength of 62.41-69.30 dB. However, when ocean currents are encouraged to flow in a certain way, the range of underwater sound will be greater. With a sound level of 62.41 dB, the fish population (Siganus canaliculatus) did not appear in the seaweed cultivation area. At a sound level of 48.62 dB, there are roughly 2-4 ind/m2 of Siganid fish. S. canaliculatus population may be influenced by underwater sound with a sound level above 50 dB. Seaweed pest repellent tool has a good function in eliminating fish populations that graze seaweed in cultivation areas.

Keywords: underwater sound- siganus sp.- seaweed- cultivation.

Topic: Marine Resources, and Conservation