Mapping the Structure and Evolution of Fish Bio‐ and Ecoacoustics; From Single Species Studies to Biodiversity Monitoring

Abstract

This review examines the progression of fish bioacoustics and ecoacoustics, with a focus on the growing application of Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) as a non‐invasive tool for assessing fish biodiversity. As environmental conservation goals intensify globally, particularly with initiatives such as Biodiversity Net Gain, the need for effective methods to monitor aquatic biodiversity has become increasingly critical. PAM provides a scalable approach for tracking fish species, community structures and population dynamics across diverse habitats, addressing many limitations of traditional monitoring techniques. By cataloguing species‐specific acoustic signatures, PAM enables long‐term monitoring of fish biodiversity, which is crucial for conservation in remote and dynamic aquatic environments. Despite ongoing challenges – such as distinguishing species with overlapping acoustic niches, managing large datasets and ensuring the precise classification of sound types – recent advancements in artificial intelligence offer promising solutions. These technologies help balance the trade‐off between analytical efficiency and the ecological and biological significance necessary for effective management and conservation. This review presents an overview of the thematic structure and temporal evolution of the field of fish bioacoustics and ecoacoustics and discusses future directions for the field to support sustainable ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation.