Bronte Wells
Underwater acoustic pollution, also known as noise pollution, refers to the introduction of human-made noise into marine environments. This type of pollution is caused by a range of human activities, including shipping, industrial fishing, coastal construction, oil drilling, seismic surveys, warfare, sea-bed mining, and sonar-based navigation. It has been found to have significant impacts on marine life, particularly marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, and porpoises, who rely on sound for communication, mating, and prey and predator detection. The effects of underwater acoustic pollution include changes in marine mammal behaviour, temporary or permanent hearing loss, interference with key life functions, and, in some cases, death. With increasing human activity in the ocean, there is an urgent need to address underwater acoustic pollution through regulation, technological advancements, and conservation efforts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A pollutant is something that is introduced into the environment in greater concentrations than what is found naturally and causes harm. While pollution is often associated with chemical compounds, human-made noise is something that is introduced into the marine environment and has negative consequences. |
| Main sources | Marine vessels, seismic surveys, sonar, construction, deep-sea mining, oil and gas extraction and processing, shipping, industrial fishing, coastal construction, oil drilling, warfare, sea-bed mining, sonar-based navigation, and pile driving. |
| Impact on marine life | Marine mammals and other species are impacted by noise pollution in diverse and significant ways. It can interfere with their natural behaviour, causing them to move away from the noise, adjust their activities, or increase their anti-predatory behaviour. It can also lead to hearing loss, stress, difficulty feeding, mating disruption, strandings, and even death. |
| Impact on humans | Noise pollution can affect the human food chain, leading to a decrease in commercial catches and an increase in bycatches. |
| Solutions | Technical advances such as wind-powered ships, noise-reducing propellers, floating wind turbines, and ["bubble curtains"] can help reduce noise pollution. Better regulation and policies are also needed to address this issue. |
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What You'll Learn
Human-made noise
One of the main sources of human-made noise in the ocean is commercial shipping. The use of propellers and engines on ships can generate low-frequency noise that travels great distances, penetrating deep into the ocean. This noise can overlap with and interfere with the vocalizations of marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins, affecting their communication, navigation, and ability to find food. For example, increased ship noise has been observed to cause bottlenose dolphins to simplify their vocal calls, potentially reducing the effectiveness of their communication.
Another source of human-made noise is sonar devices used by navy vessels for navigation and the detection of underwater objects, such as submarines. Sonar operates similarly to echolocation, a natural ability used by whales and dolphins, and can travel hundreds of miles underwater. The use of sonar has been linked to mass strandings of whales and can cause hearing loss and stress in these marine mammals.
In addition to shipping and sonar, underwater noise pollution also arises from construction activities, such as dredging to deepen ports and build infrastructure, and the use of seismic air guns by the oil and gas industry to explore the seafloor. These activities produce loud and continuous noises that can extend for thousands of kilometres and last from seconds to months. The blasts from seismic air guns interfere with the communications of underwater species and have been observed to drive marine life away from their habitats and vital breeding and feeding grounds.
The impact of human-made noise on marine life is significant and wide-ranging. It can cause physical and behavioural changes, including hearing loss, increased stress levels, and alterations in feeding and communication behaviours. Additionally, noise pollution can make it difficult for marine mammals to detect acoustic signals and navigate their environment effectively, increasing the risk of injuries and fatalities.
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Impact on marine mammals
Underwater acoustic pollution, also known as noise pollution, has had a significant impact on marine mammals, which include whales, dolphins, and porpoises. These mammals rely heavily on sound for their survival, using it to communicate, navigate, find prey, avoid predators, and locate mates.
One of the most noticeable impacts of underwater acoustic pollution on marine mammals is the alteration of their natural behaviour. Research has shown that noise pollution can disrupt the feeding behaviour of whales, with blue whales stopping their feeding activities, increasing their swimming speed, and moving away from the source of sonar noise. Humpback whales in the North Atlantic coastal waters have also demonstrated changes in their foraging behaviour due to elevated ship noise. This disruption in feeding patterns can have significant consequences for the individual fitness, foraging ecology, and population health of these marine mammals.
Underwater noise pollution can also impair the communication of marine mammals, hindering their ability to locate mates and maintain social cohesion. A study on male fish exposed to continuous additional noise found a decrease in acoustic and visual courtship behaviours, impacting their reproductive success. Additionally, noise pollution can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss in marine mammals, further reducing their ability to detect predators and communicate with their young.
The loudest underwater noises often come from naval sonar devices, which operate similarly to the echolocation used by whales and dolphins. The use of military sonar has been linked to mass strandings of beaked whales, with the recorded incidents likely representing only a small percentage of the actual occurrences. These strandings can result in vascular damage to the brain, lungs, and other organs of marine mammals.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to observe the impact of reduced human activity on underwater noise levels. With marine traffic slowed down during lockdowns, the ocean soundscape was closer to what it might have been 150 years ago, offering a healthier environment for marine life. This period highlighted the rebound potential of the ocean if noise pollution is addressed, as the impact of noise reduction is immediate.
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Acoustic mitigation
Underwater noise pollution has become a significant global issue, with human activities such as shipping, industrial fishing, coastal construction, oil drilling, and seabed mining contributing to the increasing noise levels in the ocean. This noise pollution has far-reaching consequences for marine wildlife, as many species rely on sound for essential life functions such as communication, navigation, mating, and foraging for food.
To address this issue, acoustic mitigation strategies can be employed. One approach is to implement noise abatement measures at the source. This includes improving the design of ships and their engines to reduce the noise emitted. For example, wind-powered ships, noise-reducing propellers, and floating wind turbines can help lower the volume of ocean noise. Additionally, using "bubble curtains" during construction can muffle the noise generated.
Another important strategy is Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM). PAM operators use hydrophone cables and specialised acoustic software to monitor incoming signals and detect the presence of marine species, particularly those that spend most of their time underwater, such as sperm whales. This information can then be used to inform conservation efforts and ensure compliance with guidelines aimed at protecting marine life.
In certain locations, Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADD) can be utilised as an additional safeguard. These devices emit high-frequency sounds to deter seals or other animals from entering operational areas, thus reducing potential harm.
By combining these strategies and implementing regulations that mandate acoustic mitigation in the marine environment, it is possible to effectively reduce underwater noise pollution and its impact on marine ecosystems.
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Conservation efforts
Underwater acoustic pollution, or ocean noise pollution, refers to the human-generated sounds that have altered the ocean soundscape. This pollution is harmful to marine wildlife, as they depend on sound for survival. The loudest underwater noises are often naval sonar devices, which work similarly to the echolocation used by whales and dolphins. These devices can cause hearing loss in marine mammals, as well as interfere with their feeding, mating, and anti-predatory behaviours.
The conservation efforts against underwater acoustic pollution have gained momentum in recent years, with various organizations, governments, and international bodies recognizing the issue. Here are some of the key conservation efforts:
- Research and Awareness: The awareness and understanding of underwater noise pollution and its impacts have significantly increased over the last few decades. Research studies have been conducted to examine the effects of noise on marine mammals and other species. This growing body of scientific knowledge is crucial for informing conservation strategies and policies.
- International Collaboration: There is an increasing international collaboration to address underwater noise pollution. Organizations like OceanCare are advocating for quieter seas and engaging with governments and international bodies to reduce noise emissions.
- Policy and Regulation: Efforts are being made to establish policies and regulations that mandate acoustic mitigation in the marine environment. For example, the European Union (EU) has supported projects like AQUO (Achieve Quieter Oceans) and SONIC (Suppression of Underwater Noise Induced by Cavitation) to address underwater noise.
- Technical Advances: Technical advancements offer promising solutions to reduce underwater noise. These include wind-powered ships, noise-reducing propellers, floating wind turbines, and "bubble curtains" that muffle construction noise. These solutions are not only effective but also cost-efficient.
- Ship Design and Speed: There is a growing consensus that changing the design of ships and their engines can help mitigate underwater noise pollution. Additionally, reducing vessel speed has been identified as the most effective immediate measure, as it not only reduces noise but also decreases greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants.
- Passive Acoustic Monitoring: This technique involves using AI, algorithms, and digital technologies to survey and observe acoustic impacts. By deploying acoustic sensors, valuable data can be gathered to monitor and predict levels of harmful underwater noise. This information can then inform the actions taken by authorities to mitigate noise pollution.
- Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining: Environmental advocates, scientists, and states are urging governments to establish a moratorium or precautionary pause on deep-sea mining. This industry uses seismic airguns that generate extremely loud noises, negatively impacting marine life.
- Best Practices and Standards: There are ongoing efforts to establish best practices and standards for monitoring and mitigating noise pollution. These include methodological approaches for measurement, reporting, and assessment of acoustic measurements.
- Noise-Reduction Programs: The development of voluntary noise-reduction programs and agreements is being explored as a way to address transboundary and cumulative underwater noise. Collaboration between countries with varying implementation capabilities is essential to effectively reduce noise pollution.
- Public Engagement and Support: Organizations like Earth.Org and OceanCare emphasize the importance of public engagement and support in their conservation efforts. They encourage individuals to contribute through donations, joining movements, and driving positive change to protect the environment and marine life.
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Sources of underwater noise pollution
Underwater noise pollution has increased dramatically over the last few decades, and most marine species depend on sound for their survival. Human activities such as shipping, industrial fishing, coastal construction, oil drilling, seismic surveys, warfare, sea-bed mining, and sonar-based navigation have altered the ocean's natural soundscape.
Shipping
Commercial shipping is a major contributor to underwater noise pollution and is the most common source. The noise created by a ship's propeller cavitation, hull vibrations, and diesel engines can be extremely loud, with frequencies ranging from 10 Hz up to 1 kHz. This low-frequency noise has been shown to interfere with the daily activities of marine animals, including seals, sea lions, and fish, causing hearing loss, stress, difficulty feeding, mating disruption, and even death.
Seismic Surveys
Seismic surveys are a method used by the oil and gas industries to identify areas with potential resources. These surveys employ seismic air guns, which emit highly intense noise blasts of up to 260 decibels every 10 to 15 seconds. The low-frequency sounds produced can extend for up to 4,000 kilometers and last from seconds to months. This noise actively interferes with the communication of underwater species and reduces fish catches.
Sonar
Sonar systems are another significant source of underwater noise pollution. Active sonar systems emit sounds to detect and locate objects using returning echoes, and they are commonly used by the military. These systems can cause hearing loss in fish and disorient whales, heavily disrupting the behavior and life of underwater animals.
Other Sources
Other human activities contributing to underwater noise pollution include industrial constructions, warfare, sea-bed mining, and dynamite fishing. Even terrestrial traffic, such as vehicles on bridges or coastal airports, can produce low-level continuous noise that penetrates underwater.
The good news is that reducing this noise pollution is possible, and solutions are available. By implementing policies to reduce propeller noise from ships, mitigate sonar equipment noise, and regulate seismic air gun use, we can improve the ocean soundscape and enable the recovery of marine life.
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Frequently asked questions
Underwater acoustic pollution, also known as underwater noise pollution, is the introduction of human-made noise into the marine environment. This includes noise from marine vessels, seismic surveys, sonar, construction, and underwater operations such as deep-sea mining and oil and gas extraction.
The main sources of underwater acoustic pollution are commercial shipping and naval activities. Shipping noise overlaps with the vocalization frequencies of many species of whales, particularly large baleen whales. Naval sonar devices are also a significant source of underwater noise, as they can emit sounds that penetrate deep into the ocean and interfere with the natural echolocation used by whales and dolphins.
Underwater acoustic pollution can have significant impacts on the behaviour and survival of marine mammals, fish, invertebrates, and other species. It can interfere with communication, feeding, mating, and the ability to detect predators. Acoustic pollution can also cause temporary or permanent hearing loss in marine mammals, reducing their foraging efficiency, reproductive potential, and social cohesion.
