The cost of construction noise: A case study on acoustic environment alteration and survival in pupfish (Cyprinodon variegatus).

Laboratory animals are critical to many scientific disciplines, and it is the responsibility of researchers and oversight bodies, such as Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, to ensure their health and welfare. Positive health and welfare outcomes are typically achieved using planned and approved structural, chemical (e.g., pain relief) and environmental techniques. Despite these efforts, captive animals are still likely to experience unpredictable and/or acute disturbances due to human activities. Unpredictable disturbances can harm animal welfare, but there is limited research on (1) the types of unpredictable disturbances that occur in animal facilities, (2) how these disturbances affect the health and welfare of the animals and (3) how to reduce any negative impacts. Furthermore, existing studies on captive animal health and welfare mainly focus on terrestrial models, leaving the effects on aquatic species, such as fish, largely unknown. This gap limits researchers' ability to ensure a safe and healthy environment for aquatic research animals. To begin addressing this gap, we present a case study documenting the health and welfare outcomes of a cohort of pupfish (Cyprinodon variegatus) exposed to unexpected construction activities. We document pupfish mortality, how construction activity alters the laboratory acoustic environment, and describe several mitigating actions taken to reduce the negative impacts of this unexpected disturbance. We report that the risk of death is ~17 times greater for pupfish exposed to construction disturbances compared to pupfish in the standard laboratory environment - suggesting that construction activities may have negative impacts on fish health and welfare. We also demonstrate how construction activities can alter the standard laboratory acoustic environment, making it more unpredictable and exposing fish to higher frequencies. Finally, we provide suggestions for how researchers and animal caretakers can better prepare for unpredictable and stressful events for aquatic laboratory animals.