Feeling the noise: Ascidians detect substrate-borne vibrations, not pressure waves

Abstract

Marine anthropogenic noise pollution has risen in recent decades, driving interest in its ecological effects. While research has focused on mammals and fish, marine invertebrates remain largely understudied despite their ecological importance. This study explored sound perception in the benthic ascidian Halocynthia papillosa, assessing whether it detects acoustic signals via waterborne pressure waves or substrate vibrations. Field and laboratory experiments exposed H. papillosa to frequencies from 50-1500 Hz. Contraction responses occurred at 100 Hz, 200 Hz, and 600 Hz when played through a waterproof speaker that produced both, sound pressure and substrate vibration. In a controlled laboratory setup, only substrate vibrations triggered contractions, while pure sound pressure up to 130 dB re 1 {micro}Pa elicited no response. Repeated exposure led to habituation, reducing contraction amplitude and relaxation time. These findings indicate that ascidians rely on mechanoreception, underscoring the overlooked impact of substrate vibrations from marine noise and the necessity to reconsider study design when investigating effects of marine noise on benthic organisms.