Mysterious Sound Driving Residents Crazy And They Are Investigating
South Tampa residents have been baffled by a mysterious sound that has been popping up now and then since 2021. The low bass sound has caused disruptions for the local population, and many have been frustrated that a source hasn’t been confirmed. One scientist believes that the sound could be due to fish mating in the nearby bay, but this theory remains unconfirmed.
Residents Want To Prove The Fish-Mating Theory
Still, the fish mating theory is the best and most plausible explanation residents have for the mysterious sound. A scientist and local resident named Sara Healy is currently raising money to install underwater microphones and determine if the fish mating is indeed the cause of the sound. When speaking to local Fox reporters, Healy said the sound of black drum fish mating is “identical in tone and rhythm” to the sound residents are hearing.
The Mysterious Sound Can Be Heard For Miles
Since 2021, the mysterious sound has been bothering residents, and when the Fox 13 news station spoke to scientist Dr. James Locascio with Mote Marine, he also expressed the sound is likely coming from the drum fish, who are in the middle of mating season. Dr. Locascio confirmed that since it’s a low-frequency sound, it can travel easily and across large distances.
He also informed reporters that the sound derives from a muscle the fish have called the sonic muscle, which strikes against the swim bladder when black drum fish are courting and spawning during mating season.
The Black Drum Fish Is Suspect #1
Black drum fish are by no means small sea creatures, growing up to 100 pounds and seeking bays, canals, and gulfs to mate in every year. One local resident captured drone footage of the black drum in the bay and said that it was the largest migrating black drum fish population he had seen in years. Both Healy and Locascio are looking to get the underwater microphones installed soon so the mystery of the mysterious sound can be cleared up once and for all.
Community Funding To Solve The Mystery
Locascio also said that the end of January is the peak of mating season for the black drum fish, so soon would be the ideal time to record them and see if they’re the source of the mysterious sound. He also has experience solving these sonic mysteries, as he did his dissertation in 2005 and helped Cape Coral and Punta Gorda residents solve a similar issue. Healy started a GoFundMe to help get those underwater microphones in the bay so she and Dr. Locascio could solve the ongoing mystery.
The GoFundMe to find the source of the mysterious sound has already reached more than $1,300 of its $2,500 goal. Once the goal is reached, they will place the underwater microphones and collect research to determine if the fish are the culprit. The GoFundMe page also promises to investigate other potential sources, such as clubs, party boats, and industry and community events like concerts, parades, rallies, and more.
Tampa Residents Are Fed Up
It seems everyone is fed up with this mysterious sound, and solving the mystery could at least ease their minds. While there’s no stopping the black drum fish from mating, it would provide a time and explanation for the bass rather than just wondering when it’s going to stop. With $1,300 already reached in days, it seems like Tampa is well on its way to solving this conundrum.
Source: FOX 13
