Noise Impact on Marine Mammals

Pollution has become a huge issue in our society. Many people only focus on certain kinds of pollution and forget about others. Land pollution, air pollution, and deforestation are popular subjects that people focus their activism towards. Noise pollution has been on the rise with the increase in the human population. Though it is impacting many creatures, marine mammals are particularly sensitive to this pollution.

Marine mammals rely on sound for many of their functions. Communicating with other animals, finding something to eat, avoiding predators, and finding their way through the ocean are some of the essential functions that noise pollution disrupts in marine mammals. Many concerns are being brought to light regarding the effects of noise pollution on our marine life. Industries such as oil, gas, construction, and shipping are some of the largest contributors to the noise pollution problem.

The noise made during construction projects or the fracking process can cause loud noises. These loud noises can create temporary or permanent hearing loss. It can also cause distractions and interrupt other noises that animals use to get through their daily lives. There can be short-term and long-term effects. Different species are affected in different ways due to their sensitivity to certain noises and frequencies.

Studies are being conducted on marine mammals to improve their lives. Research has provided new data on marine mammals similar to the hearing tests that are given to human beings. These studies are done on smaller creatures such as sea lions, otters, and seals. Larger mammals such as whales are more difficult to conduct studies with due to the lack of proper environment.

Protecting our marine life is just as important as other environmental issues. You can help reduce noise pollution in the ocean. Support organizations that are researching different technologies to reduce noise caused by commercial shipping companies and oil explorations. Initiatives such as companies not causing noise pollution during certain times that cause the most disruption such as calving season. Taking small steps to protect the environment can end up making a huge change. Educating yourself is the first step in being able to help the environment.