Underwater Chatter for the Win: A First Assessment of Underwater Soundscapes in Two Bays along the Eastern Cape Coast of South Africa

In 2014, the South African government launched 'Operation Phakisa' under which port developments play a significant role in supporting ocean economic growth. These developments will likely increase vessel traffic to and from South African ports, making it imperative to monitor for changes in underwater sound budgets with potential negative effects on marine life. However, no soundscape studies have been conducted around South Africa, resulting in an absence of baseline measurements. This study provides a first description of the underwater soundscape in St. Francis Bay and Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape. Soundscape measurements identified major soundscape contributors, temporal patterns in broadband sound levels, and underlying environmental drivers. Applicability of modelled vessel noise and wind noise maps to predict large-scale spatial variation in sound budgets was assessed. Our study shows that sounds from biological sources and wind dominated at all recording sites, with fish choruses driving temporal patterns as a function of time of year and position of the sun. Sound from vessels was present at all sites but most notable in long-term spectral levels measured in Algoa Bay. Sound propagation models predicted a further increase in the contribution of vessel noise towards shipping lanes and east Algoa Bay. Our study provides a building block to monitor for shifts in sound budgets and temporal patterns in these two bays under a developing ocean economy. Furthermore, our study raises concerns that vessel noise is likely a significant contributor in shallow waters elsewhere along the South African coast where vessel density is known to be higher (i.e., Durban and Cape Town).

Automated summary

This study provides a description of the underwater soundscape in St. Francis Bay and Algoa Bay in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study identifies fish choruses and wind as the main contributors to the soundscape. Sound propagation models predict that vessel noise will further increase in shipping lanes and east Algoa Bay. Concerns are raised about the significant contribution of vessel noise in shallow waters along the South African coast.