Cornish cod travelling north to find cooler waters may not be able to find a mate if their Scouse counterparts cannot understand their accents, scientists have said.

Experts believe the fish, which make sounds with their swim bladders to attract mates, may have regional accents - so if the cod from the southwest speak a different dialect to those in the north it could threaten their ability to breed.

There are also concerns that noise pollution from boats and other marine activities could be drowning out the "gossip" cod need to establish territories, raise the alarm and for mating.