Method for Assessing the Soundscape in a Marine Artificial Environment

We applied standard acoustic methods to record, analyze and compare anthropogenic biological signals belonging the soundscape of artificial marine habitats. The study was conducted on two tanks located at Acquario di Genova (Italy), “Red Sea” “Tropical Lagoon” tanks, which represent different living environments hosting a variety species background sounds. use seven eco-acoustic indices, whose time series spanned entire period study, allowed characterization environments. investigated extent indices might describe in an environment surrounded by mechanical noise, overlapping diurnal/nocturnal fish chorusing produced soniferous species. Three specific types sounds emerged: (1) ones life-support system tanks; (2) anthropic origin due maintenance introduction food; (3) temporal trends associated with day/night cycles, especially impacted lighting. searched for selected spectral patterns that were correlated indices. observed activity found be consistent sound emission three hosted tanks. power density (PSD) confirmed presence (at 95th 99th percentiles) identified frequency intervals. expect this method could useful studying behavior aquatic animals without intruding into their