Does marine life react to pending storms?

[boney]

Figured if anyone knew where to get Tang it would be here...

Seriously though I was wondering if anyone notices if the marine life freaks out prior/during/after a storm, like hurricane Frances. Much in the same way that some cats go into hiding or act strangely just before a thunderstorm...

 

[Rick Murchison]

The short answer is yes.
Some react to an approaching storm, some react to the conditions of the storm when it gets there.
Plankton's along for the ride.
Rick

 

[MikeFerrara]

it's long been known that the leading edge of a front is the time to be fishing or hunting...or for that matter just hanging in the water or the woods watching.

 

[martha888]

Hi there. I have a trip to Grand Turk planned in a couple of weeks. Land side of trip looks like it will be ok but what about underwater? Anyone been diving that soon after a hurricane passed through? Any effect on fish/flora/fauna or visibility? Thanks

 

[Allison Finch]

I used to go to the Russian Freighter off Pensacola, Fl after huge storms for some spearfishing. The huge goliath groupers (formally jewfish) would go into the wreckage during the biggest storms. I would not go to spear them, I just wanted to see them. I would go after the many red snappers that lived there. They definitely knew about the storms coming, somehow.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Hi there. I have a trip to Grand Turk planned in a couple of weeks. Land side of trip looks like it will be ok but what about underwater? Anyone been diving that soon after a hurricane passed through? Any effect on fish/flora/fauna or visibility? Thanks

The answer is so highly variable that it's almost a non-answer. Most of the long-term effects depend on what kind of surge (underwater wave-generated surge - not "storm surge") came with the storm. A hurricane can pass a hundred miles away and do more damage to a reef than if it were overhead knocking the tops of the waves off. If you've been to Bonaire in the last few years you can see the tremendous damage long-period (that is, deep surge) waves can do to the reef.
As for the fish, most escape by going a little deeper. Visibility effects are largely a function of local currents and rarely last more than a day or so in that area.
We look forward to your report.
Rick

 

[Cudabait]

Boney,

Yes, there is a definate relationship between weather change and fish behavior. Particularly as it relates to feeding. As a life long fisherman and professional charter boat operator/diver, I have noticed over the years that fish dramatically increase their feeding immediatly before a large storm. I suspect (don't know for sure) that the sudden drop in barometric pressure is the the key element that triggers the fish behavior.

Regards,