Anthropogenic, or human generated, sounds have the potential to significantly affect the lives of aquatic animals – from the individual animal’s well-being, right through to its reproduction, migration and even survival of the species.

Aquaculture production of seafood will probably remain the most rapidly increasing food production system worldwide through 2025, according to an assessment published in the January 2009 issue of BioScience.

Winter flounder - sold in markets as flounder or lemon sole - in the Gulf of Maine went into serious decline in the 1980s, taking with it a major commercial and recreational fishery. Despite stringent fishing regulations, it's estimated that it could take more than a decade for winter flounder to regain its once-robust place in New England coastal waters.