Fish expert to research whether cod have different accents

A FISH expert is to study whether cod “speak” with regional dialects.

Professor Steve Simpson believes cod off Cornwall sound different to those at Liverpool — and the language barrier may damage breeding prospects.

The marine biology expert will test his theory by putting microphones on the seabed and sending his team around on kayaks with mobile recorders.

Prof Simpson — funded by the Government-financed Natural Environment Research Council to research the wider impact of noise on fish — says cod communicate with “elaborate thumping or growling noises” to attract a mate.

But with southern seas growing increasingly warm, the fish are moving north.

It is feared southern cod will not understand northern cod — reducing the chances of breeding success.

Exeter University’s Prof Simpson said: “Different regional populations coming into contact for the first time may not share the same vocal repertoire and could struggle to integrate.”

He hopes to identify ten cod “accents” — Brighton, Plymouth, Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, John O’Groats, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Ipswich and Southend.

If the project is a success, Prof Simpson may extend his study to see if haddock also have regional dialects.