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A review by intertidalkendy
Sing Like Fish: How Sound Rules Life Under Water by Amorina Kingdon
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author!
“Sing Like Fish” is a captivating exploration of the often overlooked symphony of sounds beneath the waves. Amorina Kingdon delves into the role that sound plays in marine environments and with flora and fauna, from the behavior of sound in water to the fascinating discoveries we are beginning to understand.
Kingdon provides the historical context of the science behind sound and hearing underwater, incorporating fish, mammals, invertebrates, plankton, and even marine plants, she reveals that the ocean and its inhabitants are far from silent. From mysterious sounds underwater that are still trying to be identified to the noises from critters like the cusk eel, readers are plunged into a vibrant auditory world throughout the ocean.
I was most intrigued and grateful for the inclusion of kelp and plankton in the discussion of underwater sound and impacts. Kingdon explains how kelp forests, beyond their ecological importance, serve as acoustic buffers. The loss of kelp forests means more than just a loss of habitat - it’s a loss of a dynamic acoustic buffer.
The disparity of research funding for acoustics is also given a spotlight in this book. Less charismatic, or species of non-industry interest, are often not given the same access to funding for research, even when they are still important species to understand.
Most importantly, the book explores how our understanding of underwater sound can be applied in conservation efforts. Sound is continually increasing in the ocean, as Kingdon highlights the alarming increases in shipping noise doubling every decade from 1960 to 2010, and how this impacts marine life. Noise pollution isn’t just a threat for marine mammals, but impacts plankton in the water column, invertebrates burrowed in the sand, and other species. While unseen, sound has far-reaching consequences. Kingdon highlights the importance of understanding sound and how applying that knowledge to marine policy and regulation is a vital step in conservation efforts.
“Sing Like Fish” is not just a scientific account but a call to action. Amorina Kingdon’s prose and thorough research invites readers to appreciate the acoustic wonders of the ocean and recognize the urgent need to preserve this aspect of the natural world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in marine science, conservation, and bioacoustics! Dive deeper into the intricate life beneath the surface of the ocean!
“Sing Like Fish” is a captivating exploration of the often overlooked symphony of sounds beneath the waves. Amorina Kingdon delves into the role that sound plays in marine environments and with flora and fauna, from the behavior of sound in water to the fascinating discoveries we are beginning to understand.
Kingdon provides the historical context of the science behind sound and hearing underwater, incorporating fish, mammals, invertebrates, plankton, and even marine plants, she reveals that the ocean and its inhabitants are far from silent. From mysterious sounds underwater that are still trying to be identified to the noises from critters like the cusk eel, readers are plunged into a vibrant auditory world throughout the ocean.
I was most intrigued and grateful for the inclusion of kelp and plankton in the discussion of underwater sound and impacts. Kingdon explains how kelp forests, beyond their ecological importance, serve as acoustic buffers. The loss of kelp forests means more than just a loss of habitat - it’s a loss of a dynamic acoustic buffer.
The disparity of research funding for acoustics is also given a spotlight in this book. Less charismatic, or species of non-industry interest, are often not given the same access to funding for research, even when they are still important species to understand.
Most importantly, the book explores how our understanding of underwater sound can be applied in conservation efforts. Sound is continually increasing in the ocean, as Kingdon highlights the alarming increases in shipping noise doubling every decade from 1960 to 2010, and how this impacts marine life. Noise pollution isn’t just a threat for marine mammals, but impacts plankton in the water column, invertebrates burrowed in the sand, and other species. While unseen, sound has far-reaching consequences. Kingdon highlights the importance of understanding sound and how applying that knowledge to marine policy and regulation is a vital step in conservation efforts.
“Sing Like Fish” is not just a scientific account but a call to action. Amorina Kingdon’s prose and thorough research invites readers to appreciate the acoustic wonders of the ocean and recognize the urgent need to preserve this aspect of the natural world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in marine science, conservation, and bioacoustics! Dive deeper into the intricate life beneath the surface of the ocean!