A new study from Florida Atlantic University reveals that blacktip sharks can detect sounds from as far as 243 feet (74 meters) away and can respond by altering their direction. The research, published in the journal Integrative Organismal Biology, was conducted in the shallow, nearshore waters of Palm Beach County, where scientists tracked free-swimming blacktip sharks. To understand how the sharks responded to different sounds, researchers used an underwater speaker, an aerial drone, and calibrated hydrophones—devices that measure sound underwater. The study exposed the sharks to various sound frequencies and found that they responded to low-frequency sounds ranging from 100 to 800 Hertz. However, they did not react to a 10-kilohertz control sound, which is outside the range of their hearing. This suggests that blacktip sharks are more sensitive to lower frequencies, able to detect these sounds from greater distances and at lower volumes. The researchers noted that the sharks could sense the movement of particles in the water caused by sound waves, even when the sound source was far away. Studying shark hearing in the wild is crucial, the researchers said, because laboratory environments can create confusing sound reflections that might not occur in natural settings. This study underscores the importance of understanding how sharks perceive and interpret sounds in their natural habitats. Such knowledge could help scientists better understand shark behavior, migration patterns, and how they interact with their environment. The findings highlight the need for further research into the sensory systems of sharks and how they use sound to navigate and communicate in the ocean. As the study shows, blacktip sharks are highly attuned to their acoustic surroundings, which plays a significant role in their survival and daily activities.