Did you know that fish make sounds too? Despite ray-finned fish being the most diverse class of vertebrates by far, we really haven't even begun to describe all the ways they talk to each other. My research focuses on how we can listen in to this chatter to determine the presence and behavior of freshwater species. This requires some time in the field maintaining the equipment and getting to know the locals, of course, as you can see here! Many fish are under threat, though, as human activity continues to degrade our waterways. Underwater sound has the potential to be a valuable tool for conservationists studying sensitive aquatic habitats, monitoring the spread of invasive species, or even protecting fish during vulnerable events like spawning. By working to refine the process of gathering and analyzing this data, I hope to further cement its place in preserving those vulnerable waters.