How Noise Pollution Kills Zoo Plankton

While noise pollution is a growing concern for the environment, it is also a specific concern for zoo plankton. With the oceans being predominantly acoustic, noise pollution from human activities such as maritime shipping, hydrocarbon exploration, and seismic air gun blasts can have devastating effects on marine life. Research has shown that zoo plankton is highly vulnerable to these blasts, with a single blast decimating half of the zoo plankton in the area. This is concerning as zoo plankton forms the base of the marine food chain, providing vital nutrition for whales and invertebrates. The impact of noise pollution on zoo plankton is an important issue that needs to be addressed to protect the delicate marine ecosystem.

Seismic blasts from airguns

While the direct effects of seismic airgun blasts on zooplankton mortality have been studied, the mechanism behind this effect is not well understood. A 2017 study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution found that zooplankton abundance decreased by 64% within an hour of seismic blasts from airguns. The study was conducted off the coast of Tasmania, and the impacts were observed up to a distance of 1.2 km, which is significantly further than the previously assumed impact range of 10 m.

Another study in 2007 showed that even a single blast, at a lower level than those typically used in oil and gas prospecting, could decimate half the zooplankton in the area, with up to a 95% mortality rate for certain species. These results highlight the vulnerability of zooplankton to seismic blasts and the potential for negative impacts on ocean ecosystem function and productivity.

It is important to note that there are conflicting findings regarding the impact of seismic blasts on zooplankton. Some studies suggest that the effects of seismic airgun blasts on zooplankton mortality are limited and may not cause large-scale mortality. However, the majority of evidence points towards significant negative impacts, with some studies suggesting mortality rates of 14% at distances of up to 15 km from the seismic blast.

The implications of seismic blasting on zooplankton are concerning as they form the base of the marine food chain and are vital nutrition for whales and numerous invertebrates like oysters and shrimp. The potential impacts on the food web and marine life need to be fully assessed before permitting such activities.

Hydrocarbon exploration

Noise pollution is a significant issue in the context of hydrocarbon exploration and production, particularly in relation to its impact on the environment and surrounding communities. As the global demand for fossil energy increases, oil and gas companies are exploring and drilling in locations that were previously considered too close to residential and commercial areas. This proximity to human settlements has brought the issue of noise pollution to the forefront, with exploration companies facing the challenge of minimising noise impacts during their operations.

The use of seismic airguns is a notable source of noise pollution during hydrocarbon exploration, especially in marine environments. These airguns are towed behind boats and emit loud blasts of compressed air to map the ocean floor for potential oil and gas deposits. The repeated, high-volume blasts can have detrimental effects on marine life, including zooplankton, fish, and invertebrates. Studies have shown that even a single blast can decimate zooplankton populations, with up to 95% of certain species dying.

Once the presence of hydrocarbons is confirmed, the drilling phase commences. This stage involves the setup of a drilling rig and ancillary equipment, which can operate 24 hours a day for several weeks or months. The equipment used in this process can produce substantial noise, impacting both nearby landowners and employees. While landowners may tolerate the temporary nature of the drilling phase, noise attenuation efforts are sometimes mandated, with portable noise screens being a common solution.

To address the issue of noise pollution, manufacturers have invested significant resources into designing quieter equipment and developing noise reduction techniques. High-performance muffler systems, acoustic baffling, and wraps have been employed to reduce overall noise levels. However, even with these advancements, some equipment still generates dangerously high noise levels that require additional treatment. As a result, sound attenuation panels have been widely adopted to mitigate noise impacts on both human and ecological communities affected by hydrocarbon exploration and production activities.

Maritime shipping

The noise generated by maritime shipping activities, such as seismic air gun blasts used in oil and gas exploration, can have detrimental effects on marine life. Zooplankton, which form the base of the food chain and are vital for many species, have been found to be highly vulnerable to these blasts. A single blast, even at a lower level than those typically used in oil and gas operations, can decimate up to 95% of certain zooplankton species in the area. This loss of zooplankton not only disrupts the food chain but also affects the nutrition of larger organisms like whales and numerous invertebrates.

The loud noises produced by ships can overwhelm or mask the natural sounds used by marine animals for communication, finding food, reproduction, and navigation. This noise pollution has been observed to cause behavioural changes and elevated stress levels in marine mammals, making them more susceptible to other environmental challenges such as water pollution, climate change, and habitat loss. In some cases, marine life may leave their preferred habitats, leading to difficulties in finding food or mates and potentially impacting their mortality rates.

To mitigate the impact of maritime shipping on noise pollution, some measures have been proposed and implemented. For example, the Vancouver-Fraser Port Authority in British Columbia has successfully reduced underwater sound intensity by asking ships to slow down as they approach the port. While voluntary guidelines have been issued by the International Maritime Organization, a lack of policy enforcement remains an issue. As the problem of underwater noise pollution continues to grow, further research and preventative measures are crucial to protect the delicate marine ecosystem.

Explosions

Zooplankton are tiny drifting animals that are vital to marine ecosystems. They serve as a primary food source for many larger organisms, including whales, oysters, and shrimp. Unfortunately, zooplankton are highly vulnerable to the impact of explosions and other forms of noise pollution.

A single blast, even at a lower level than those used in oil and gas prospecting operations, can decimate half of the zooplankton in the affected area. Some species experience mortality rates of up to 95%. This drastic reduction in zooplankton populations can have far-reaching consequences for the entire marine food web, as zooplankton occupy a crucial position at the base of the food chain.

The impact of explosions on zooplankton highlights the urgent need to address noise pollution in our oceans. By reducing the frequency and intensity of man-made explosions and implementing protective measures, we can help mitigate the harmful effects on zooplankton and other marine life, thereby preserving the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

Ocean noise

Zooplankton, which form the base of the marine food chain, are highly vulnerable to seismic blasts from airguns used in oil and gas exploration. A single blast can kill up to 95% of certain zooplankton species within a 1.2-kilometer radius, with the zooplankton abundance falling by 60% in the hour after airgun use. This has a ripple effect on the entire marine ecosystem, as zooplankton are a vital source of nutrition for whales and invertebrates like oysters and shrimp.

The constant noise from shipping and intensive noise sources, such as airguns, can also compromise reproduction and feeding in fish and invertebrates. For example, seismic airgun blasts have caused haddock and cod to flee their usual habitats, reducing the catch rate by 20-70% in some areas. Additionally, studies have shown that common prawns exhibit stress responses, such as DNA fragmentation, when exposed to boat noise.

The issue of ocean noise is finally gaining traction as a significant environmental concern. Advocacy groups and non-governmental organizations, such as OceanCare, are working to raise awareness and reduce marine noise pollution through advocacy and research. Their efforts have led to discussions at the United Nations and legal actions to block Atlantic seismic blasting to protect marine life.

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