Scientists sound off on reef fish restocking

Marine scientists say new research into the sounds fish produce in the Great Barrier Reef could help in restocking low population areas.

Institutions such as the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the University of Auckland recorded underwater sounds off Lizard Island in far north Queensland.

An Australian fish biologist, Dr Mark Meekan, says the sounds of marine life help fish larvae swept hundreds of kilometres out to sea return to the reef.

He says it means fisheries managers could consider using different sounds to repopulate areas of the reef.

"If we can identify the sorts of noises that these fish are attracted to, then it may be a really useful management tool," he said.

"We may be able to attract baby fish to restock areas that have been depleted from over fishing or attract baby fish to areas where it's essentially safe for them to grow up."