Experimental design for testing the impact of anthropogenic noise on marine deuterostome invertebrates in the laboratory

Underwater noise is widely recognised as an emerging pollutant with negative impacts on the marine environment, including marine fauna. However, accurately measuring and evaluating its effects on animals remains a challenge, especially in the field. To address this, laboratory playback experiments offer a valuable and controlled approach to study these effects in a range of species. In this work, we present experimental setups designed to assess behavioural and physiological responses of invertebrates, with a focus on deuterostome species, to anthropogenic noise. The approach integrates (i) systems that accommodate species of varying sizes and life habits, (ii) a playback signal equalisation protocol and (iii) characterisation of sound pressure levels and particle motion associated with the playback stimulus. Homogeneous playback equipment was used to ensure consistency in all trials. These experimental setups are intended to support the development of future studies to better understand the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine life.