Wildlife

Ocean Noise Pollution and Cetacean Welfare

Underwater noise from shipping, sonar, and seismic surveys disturbs cetaceans and causes acute injury. Quieter shipping and regulated sonar use reduce welfare harms to millions of marine mammals.

Key Facts

Container ship noise has increased the chronic underwater noise environment by 32 dB over the past 40 years
Naval sonar has been linked to mass strandings of beaked whales through acoustic injury and panic responses
Seismic airgun arrays used in oil exploration emit sounds detectable by whales thousands of kilometers away
Slower ship speeds and propeller optimization can significantly reduce vessel underwater noise levels

Welfare Considerations

Ocean noise pollution affects cetacean welfare through masking of communication and echolocation, stress from chronic noise exposure, and acute injury from high-intensity sources. Beaked whales are particularly vulnerable to naval sonar, with mass strandings correlated with sonar exercises. Ship speed reduction in whale habitats and quieter propeller technology are proven approaches to reducing welfare harm from chronic shipping noise.

What You Can Do

Support international maritime regulations requiring quieter ship technology and speed reduction in whale habitats
Advocate for sonar use restrictions near areas of high cetacean biodiversity
Engage with marine planning processes to identify shipping lane adjustments that reduce whale noise exposure
Support research into the welfare impacts of chronic ocean noise on cetacean communication and reproduction