Scientists: Ultra Stressed Fish

In this undated image provided by the University of Miami, toadfish specimens are shown on a table (University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science via Key News)

Fish suffered excess levels of stress because of loud music at the Ultra Music Festival last month, according to University of Miami researchers. Testing of hormone levels showed fish stress levels were greater than those caused when fish are chased by predators.  

“Ultra was causing short-term, acute stress on our fish,” said Danielle McDonald, an associate professor of marine biology

Danielle McDonald, associate professor of marine biology and ecology at University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, presents findings that fish suffered excess stress due to loud music at the Ultra Music Festival, during a meeting of the Virginia Key Advisory Board, April 23, 2019 (Key News/Tony Winton)

at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. She said the blood testing, done on fish at the school’s hatchery on Virginia Key, is an indicator of stress levels on marine life more generally.

“We are using it as a canary in the coal mine,” McDonald said.

Ultra representatives did not respond to a request for comment.

The report said that while sound levels in the air rarely exceeded 80 decibels, noise levels in the fish tanks were much higher by an average of 10 decibels. The added noise caused a four- to five-fold increase in blood cortisol concentrations. By comparison, a simulated predator chasing a toadfish causes a 2.6-fold increase in the cortisol level.

Sound data from the sensors in waters near the concert site are still being analyzed, and researchers hope to have findings soon. The preliminary findings, presented Tuesday to the Virginia Key Advisory Board, are part of a number of studies about Ultra’s environmental impact. View Report

Key Biscayne Mayor Mike Davey, left, and Village Manager Andrea Agha listen to University of Miami scientist presentation on fish stress at Ultra Music Festival during meeting of Virginia Key Advisory Board, April 23, 2019 (Key News/Tony Winton)

The advisory board adopted a resolution recommending the City of Miami revoke its agreement with Ultra for a 2020 concert on Virginia Key after questioning City staff about traffic and noise issues. While several members complimented Ultra organizers for doing the best they could, a majority repeated previous sentiments that Virginia Key is the wrong place for an event of Ultra’s scale.

City administrators say they are still recommending Ultra be given another chance, telling panel members organizers reacted quickly to traffic and noise problems. “First year, first-time jitters,” said Daniel Rotenberg, the City’s real estate director.

The Miami City Commission is scheduled to make a decision at its May 9 meeting.