Marine Animals

Wild Marine Mammal Noise Pollution Welfare

Chronic noise pollution from shipping, sonar, and seismic surveys impairs marine mammal communication, navigation, and welfare.

Key Facts

Ocean noise levels have increased by 3 decibels per decade since the 1950s
Cetaceans depend on sound for navigation, feeding, and social communication
Chronic noise causes elevated stress hormones and altered behavior in exposed whales
Shipping noise affects whale communication over thousands of kilometers

Welfare Considerations

Chronic ocean noise pollution causes ongoing welfare impairment in cetaceans by disrupting communication, increasing stress, and reducing foraging efficiency. Unlike acute noise events, chronic background noise creates a persistent welfare burden that is difficult to escape and cumulative in effect.

What You Can Do

Support shipping speed reduction in areas of high cetacean density
Advocate for ocean noise pollution regulation under environmental law
Donate to cetacean research that documents noise pollution welfare impacts
Back development of quieter ship propulsion technologies