Physical biologists and biological physicists: combining biology and physics in research on the effects of noise on aquatic life.

Abstract

Research in aquatic bioacoustics and the effects of noise is interdisciplinary and to be effective requires a collaboration of experts from all the fields involved. The full range of expertise is needed for adequate understanding of the processes involved, adequate experimental design, analysis and interpretation, and adequate knowledge of the research already published. The biologists need to understand how physicists work and make allowance, and vice versa. Both need to understand that the other will not be familiar with their practices and approach and that there will be a certain amount of negotiation and education on both sides.However, the best reason to develop collaborations with other experts in interdisciplinary research is that it is such a rewarding experience from the insights it provides into other disciplines and from the opportunity to do really effective and very significant research, well beyond what the individuals might have achieved on their own.