Marine and Aquatic Welfare

Cetacean Acoustic Welfare and Shipping Noise

Chronic noise from shipping traffic is a major but underappreciated welfare threat to cetaceans, disrupting communication, foraging, reproduction and causing stress.

Key Facts

Ocean ambient noise has increased by approximately 3 dB per decade since the 1960s
Baleen whales have extended communication ranges reduced by 80-90% due to shipping noise
Noise causes chronic stress responses (elevated glucocorticoids) in blue, fin and sperm whales
Vessel speed reduction of 10 knots reduces underwater noise by approximately 75%
Shipping lanes can be routed away from critical habitat with minimal economic cost

Welfare Considerations

Noise pollution causes chronic, diffuse suffering across cetacean populations. Unlike acute threats, it is invisible but measurable in stress hormones and communication disruption.

What You Can Do

Support ocean noise reduction initiatives such as Slow the Plough and IMO guidelines
Advocate for mandatory vessel speed reduction in critical cetacean habitat
Choose shipping companies and supply chains that have committed to noise reduction measures