Science

Ocean Noise Pollution: The Invisible Welfare Crisis for Marine Animals

Human-generated noise from shipping, sonar, and construction creates welfare harm for marine mammals and fish.

Key Facts

Commercial shipping traffic has doubled in the last 30 years increasing ocean noise pollution
US Navy sonar exercises have been linked to mass stranding events in beaked whales
Seismic surveys for oil and gas use air guns that can temporarily or permanently damage cetacean hearing
Fish use sound for communication, predator detection, and orientation making noise pollution disruptive
Ocean noise has increased by up to 10 decibels in some areas over the past 50 years

Welfare Considerations

Ocean noise pollution causes welfare harm through physical damage to hearing organs, disruption of communication, and chronic stress responses. Beaked whales exposed to navy sonar strand on beaches showing signs of decompression injury suggesting panic dives from sonar noise. Chronic shipping noise forces cetaceans to increase the volume and frequency of their calls wasting energy. Fish exposed to pile-driving noise show stress responses and reduced immune function.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for stronger regulation of military sonar use in cetacean habitats
Advocate for shipping speed reductions in sensitive marine areas to reduce noise pollution
Oppose oil and gas seismic surveys in important cetacean habitats
Support Whale and Dolphin Conservation which campaigns for ocean noise reduction
Engage with shipping industry sustainability initiatives that include noise reduction measures