The sense of smell is a funny thing. There are wonderful fragrances and foul odors, and while all are considered “scents”, the human nose knows the difference. We can remember different smells (smell memories) and we can describe different smells. In fact, we experience a myriad of smells daily. The scent of jasmine blooming in Spring or the distinctly pungent smell of fish in the seafood section of the grocery store. SensoryCo scent machines have been commissioned by clients around the globe to provide scents to enhance experiences by tickling the nose. But we humans are terrestrials that breathe air and live on land. Which gets one thinking… does smell exist underwater?
Fish Out of Water
It makes sense that humans can’t smell underwater because we can’t inhale without water filling up our lungs. That doesn’t mean that all animals can’t detect scents underwater or underwater smells don’t exist. Some marine animals even have olfactory receptors (i.e. baleen/bowhead whales). However, they can only smell when they come up for air (for the same reasons humans do- they breathe air). “A recent discovery by Dr. Kenneth C. Catania at Vanderbilt University shows that two mammals are capable of sniffing underwater…the water shrew and the star-nosed mole.” Seems these cool creatures use air bubbles to “breathe in smells”. Source: https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/starn.html
Something Smells Fishy
Scientists believe that both fresh and saltwater fish can sense scents as part of their survival because all fish can be a source of food, making the sense of smell an important tool for finding prey. “Those little nostrils we see on the snout of fish do, indeed, connect to internal chambers that are equipped with folds of sensory tissue. Those receptors detect everything from sex hormones to trace amounts of blood in the water.” Source: https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/oi/documents/july08canfishsmell.pdf
Photo: Magda Ehlers
Sharks, in particular, are super-sensitive to smells. They use their noses to sniff out prey, blood, and other ocean treats. “Smell is incredibly important to sharks and how they use this sense is quite fascinating. Just under the snout of a shark are two small openings, or nares (nasal cavities). Each nare consists of two more openings. Water goes in the one opening and out the other. Inside the nasal cavities are a series of sensitive skin folds. Water passes over sensory cells within the skin folds. These cells pick up the scents in the water and then send signals to the shark’s brain. In the shark’s brain, the olfactory lobes kick in and analyze the scents, which can be those of a potential mate or prey. With smell being so very important to sharks, it is no surprise that about two-thirds of a shark’s brain is made up of olfactory lobes. From here, it is up to the shark to decide if it wants to pursue the scent or not.” Source: https://www.aquarium.co.za/news/how-do-sharks-smell
To Catch a Fish…SensoryCo Scent Machines in Action
So fish can smell underwater even if humans can’t and SensoryCo smell scientists have creatively crafted custom smells for distribution into the air with our scent machines so that humans can experience a taste of the sea! Whether it’s the aroma of the ocean, a marine life whiff or a fish market stench…SensoryCo can enhance the environment with a layer of smell.
SensoryCo SMXT1 Model Scenting Machine
The SenscoryCo SMXT1is a scent machine developed for immersive training, production and entertainment environments. This scent machine has been designed by our team to deliver aroma in large spaces using SensoryCo custom scent cartridges. For the Honda Pacific Visions Theater show at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, SensoryCo provided specific scents including “fresh cut grass” and “ocean” for their 4D film presentation. When the sights and sounds are combined with the 4D effects of wind, motion and scent, human senses are stimulated for visitors to see, feel, and smell… leaving a lasting impression. For more about this application in action, visit: https://sensoryco4d.com/sensoryco-scenting-system-enhances-4d-experience-at-the-aquarium-of-the-pacific-in-long-beach-california/