In this study, we show that the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) has a higher auditory sensitivity than previously reported. We developed experimental protocols that enabled reliable audiograms by AEP measurements, establishing an auditory baseline for the species.
These findings have direct implications for assessing the impact of underwater noise, as they demonstrate how the lack of accurate baseline hearing data can lead to an underestimation of anthropogenic noise effects. This work provides a foundation for future studies on acoustic masking and environmental noise within the DIAPHONIA framework.
Rojas, L., Ruser, A., Baltzer, J. et al. Hearing thresholds in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax): new insights into auditory sensitivity. Fish Physiol Biochem 52, 9 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-025-01628-2