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Scientists investigate regional cod accents
cod
Repeated generations of vocal fish, including cod and haddock, from the same area could be resulting in the development of regional accents among fish populations.

Fish communication sounds have regional variations
 
Steve Simpson, associate professor of marine biology and global change at the University of Exeter has identified regional variations in American and European cod 'voices' by using sophisticated underwater listening equipment.

After extensive research into bioacoustics in relation to the impact of maritime noise pollution on fish, Professor Simpson is now investigating whether dialectal changes occur in localised spawning regions around the United Kingdom.

Repeated generations of vocal fish, including cod and haddock, from the same area could be resulting in the development of regional accents among fish populations.

Professor Simpson and his team have been researching the impact of speedboats, maritime construction and ships on fish populations, where vocal communication is important in breeding and attracting mates.

The research has also revealed the stress impact of noise on fish through bad decision making during feeding and predator evasion.

Professor Simpson said: “Fish produce a variety of sounds, sometimes using their swim bladders to make thumping and rumbling sounds, to establish territories, raise the alarm and attract mates. In noisy places the ‘gossip’ essential to their society is being drowned out. If we value our fish stocks – or our Friday night fish supper – we need to understand this.”

His research has described the sound made by American cod as a “staccato, banging, bop bop bop sound.” Alternatively, European cod make a “deep rumbling growling” sound. 

Image by August Linnman/Alinnman/Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 2.0
 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.