Surprisingly Scary Sounds

Noise is all around us, and for most, it is surprising to hear that noise can cause harm to marine animals. The article "Understand the Sources of Ocean Noise Pollution" found on the International Fund for Animal Welfare website addresses this topic. This source is considered very reliable because it comes from a very well known and successful organization like IFAW so therefore, the information provided is credible. In this brief essay, I will answer the question: What are the different types of noise pollution and how does it affect marine animals?

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Thesis: Factors such as ships, mining for oil and gas, and the use of sonar systems are contributing to the noise pollution in the ocean that is harming marine animals and causing some to abandon their habitats. 

One cause of noise pollution in the ocean is ship noise. Noises from large forms of transportation in the water such as cargo vessels, super tanks, and cruise ships are constantly being produced by engines and propellers. As explained in “Understanding the Sources of Ocean Noise Pollution” found on the IFAW website, “the problem with this noise is that it dominates the frequency ranges of 20-300Hz, the same range used by many species of whale.” This is important because the noises that the engines are producing are conflicting with sea mammals’ communication with each other. Also, the extra noise makes it hard to distinguish between ship and whale noises which causes accidental collisions between the two. However, some would argue that noise produced by oil and gas exploration and mining is more harmful.

When workers from the oil and gas industries mine for products, very loud and harmful sounds are produced. These types of industries perform seismic-survey operations, pipeline and platform construction, as well as removal and drilling. The noise produced by these types of operations may not be as loud as other noises, but they last much longer. The article says that when exposed to these noise for a long time it “can cause whales and other marine species to abandon their habitats.” This is harmful because when the species abandon their homes, population decreases and possible endanger of a certain species is at risk if enough animals beach because of disturbing noises. But not only do marine animals have to look out for false noises from ships and mining, but powerful underwater noises from detecting submarines can also cause a lot of harm to the animals of the sea.

Military forces use sonar systems in the ocean in order to detect submarines under water from  long distances. When using these systems, pulses with very high energy are emitted for thousands of meters. Because of the power that is carried with these noises, “whole groups of whales and dolphins can beach themselves to escape the auditory assault.” In addition to this, the noises can disrupt communication and feeding behaviors, cause temporary hearing loss, as well as cause permanent tissue damage.This is significant because it is obvious that the noise that is polluting our oceans is indeed harmful and should be prevented in order to save animals in the ocean. When marine animals experience these harmful symptoms, it can lead the animal to abandon their home.

Future Research: What efforts are being taken to reduce and help noise pollution in the ocean?