Karmactive Staff

Whales Could Lose Migration Paths Due to Ocean Noise Pollution —100 Times Louder Than 70 Years Ago

The haunting songs of whales, which were once used to communicate and navigate efficiently, are now increasingly drowned out by the constant roar of ships and industrial activity in the oceans. Whales depend on their vocalizations for essential functions like finding mates, locating food, and maintaining social connections. Noise pollution is severely disrupting this process.

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Human activity along coastlines and in open waters is increasing rapidly, contributing to escalating noise pollution, which diminishes the acoustic quality of marine habitats. This rise in human activity includes shipping, oil exploration, and offshore construction, all of which contribute to noise levels that harm marine life.

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Oceans have become up to 100 times louder over the past 70 years due to human activities. Since 1950, ambient noise levels have risen by over 20 decibels, translating into a 100-fold increase in sound intensity. This affects not only whales but also other marine species that rely on sound.

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Ambient noise levels have increased significantly, reducing the range over which whales can communicate by up to 90% in some areas. The increase in noise has shrunk the area in which whales can communicate effectively, leading to a loss of feeding and mating opportunities​

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To investigate the impact of noise pollution on whale migration, Dr. Johnston's team developed mathematical models simulating the whales' behavioral responses. These models assessed the effects of noise-induced disorientation, isolation, and avoidance, showing that excessive noise could cause migration failures if left unmitigated​

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The results of this model were published in the journal Movement Ecology, revealing how noise pollution could disrupt key whale behaviors such as communication and migration. The study highlights the urgency of addressing ocean noise pollution to prevent catastrophic disruptions to whale populations

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Shipbuilders are also exploring innovations like quieter propellers, streamlined hulls, and noise-reducing coatings. The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping highlights the potential of battery-powered vessels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency in the shipping industry. This transition to electrification is seen as a crucial pathway towards decarbonization.

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MIT Technology Review outlines various technologies and innovations that can help save the ocean, including satellite telemetry for tracking marine megafauna, underwater landscape mosaics for coral reef conservation, and 3D imaging technologies for pearl oyster restoration.

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) emphasizes the importance of establishing marine protected areas as acoustic sanctuaries. NOAA's Ocean Noise Strategy aims to monitor long-term trends and fill critical data gaps to address the impacts of ocean noise on marine species and ecosystems.

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