Solving The Mystery Of South Tampa's Mysterious Fish Sounds

TAMPA, Fla. – The residents of South Tampa have been grappling with a perplexing issue since 2021 – a mysterious sound that resonates throughout the area, especially at night. The source of this sound, which has caused significant disturbance and curiosity among locals, is believed to be linked to the natural world.

See original report here: Fox13 Mysterious Fish Noises in Tampa Bay

What is the Sound? A Florida scientist has suggested that the enigmatic deep bass sound, which residents of the Tampa Bay area have reported, might be attributed to the Black Drum, a species known for emitting a low croak during their mating season.

Captains for Clean Water

Captains for Clean Water is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. The primary objective of this organization is to address the water quality issues that plague Florida’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. They focus on advocating for scientifically-based environmental solutions to restore and maintain clean water and healthy ecosystems in these areas.

Key objectives of Captains for Clean Water include:

Educating the Public:

The organization aims to raise awareness among the general public and policymakers about the importance of Florida’s water resources and the challenges they face. They provide educational materials and organize community events to spread knowledge about water quality issues.

Advocating for Policy Change:

A significant part of their mission is to influence environmental policy and legislation. They work towards ensuring that water management in Florida is carried out sustainably and responsibly, advocating for changes that will lead to the restoration and preservation of the natural water flow in areas like the Everglades.

Community Engagement and Partnerships:

The organization believes in the power of community involvement. They engage with local communities, fishermen, and other stakeholders to unite them in the cause for clean water. Partnerships with other environmental groups, research institutions, and government bodies are also crucial to their approach.

Environmental Restoration Projects:

Captains for Clean Water is involved in various projects aimed at restoring and protecting Florida’s water bodies. These projects often involve collaboration with scientists and environmental experts to ensure they are grounded in solid scientific research.

Learn More About the Initiative here: Captains for Clean Water

Recent developments suggest that these sounds may be attributed to Black drum fish mating in the bay. This theory was proposed by Dr. James Locascio, a marine scientist with Mote Marine, who has extensive experience in studying underwater acoustics. Dr. Locascio, who completed his dissertation on this topic at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, had previously assisted communities in Cape Coral and Punta Gorda in identifying similar sounds.

The situation in South Tampa has reached a point where the community, led by resident Sara Healy, has initiated efforts to definitively identify the source. Healy has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for installing underwater microphones in the bay. This initiative, inspired by Dr. Locascio’s past work, aims to record and analyze the sounds to confirm their origin.

The campaign has seen a positive response, with over $500 raised within a few hours of its inception. The target is set at $2,500, which will cover the cost of installing the microphones and potentially additional expenses as the project progresses. Dr. Locascio has expressed readiness to install the microphones as soon as the funding goal is met, with plans to keep them operational until April for comprehensive data collection.

The significance of this endeavor extends beyond just solving a local mystery. It presents an opportunity for community engagement in scientific research and environmental awareness. Organizations like Captains for Clean Water, which advocate for the preservation and restoration of Florida’s aquatic ecosystems, could see a positive impact from such initiatives. These efforts not only foster community solidarity but also promote a greater understanding of the intricate relationships between urban environments and natural habitats.

The collaboration between residents, scientists, Captains and environmental groups highlights the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing environmental mysteries and concerns. The outcomes of this project are eagerly anticipated, not just for the resolution it promises for the residents of South Tampa but also for the potential insights it could offer into the behaviors of local marine life and the health of the bay’s ecosystem.

The mysterious bass sounds of South Tampa have sparked a unique community-led scientific endeavor. With the support of residents, scientists, and environmental advocates, this initiative stands as a testament to the collective effort in understanding and preserving our natural world. The findings from this study could not only alleviate the concerns of the local community but also contribute valuable knowledge to the field of marine science.