Anthropogenic ocean noise from shipping, sonar, and seismic surveys causes stress, behavioral disruption, and injury to marine mammals and fish.
Ocean noise pollution represents a diffuse but pervasive welfare harm affecting vast numbers of marine animals. Marine mammals that evolved in quiet ocean environments now inhabit soundscapes dominated by shipping, sonar, and industrial activity. Chronic noise exposure elevates stress hormones, disrupts foraging and mating communication, and forces behavioral changes that impose energy costs. Acute high-intensity noise events cause physical injury and the behavioral panic leading to mass strandings. Mitigation measures — speed reductions in shipping, seasonal restrictions on seismic surveys, sonar use protocols — can reduce harm without prohibiting all ocean activity.