Underwater noise emissions by ships pose threat to Indian marine species
- February 19, 2023
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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Underwater noise emissions by ships pose threat to Indian marine species
Subject : Economy
Section: Pollution
Context: The rising man-made (anthropogenic) underwater noise emissions (UNE) from ships in the Indian waters are posing a threat to the life of marine mammals like Bottlenose Dolphin, Manatees, Pilot Whale, Seal, and Sperm Whale.
More on the News:
- The main form of energy for multiple behavioural activities of marine mammals, which include mating, communal interaction, feeding, cluster cohesion and foraging, is based on sound.
- However, the sound that radiates from ships on a long-term basis affects them and results in internal injuries, loss of hearing ability, change in behavioural responses, masking, and stress.
Sources of Marine Noise Pollution:
- Shipping: Large commercial ships, as well as recreational boats, produce a significant amount of noise through their engines and propellers. This noise can be particularly loud in shallow water, and can impact marine life in the surrounding area.
- Seismic surveys: Seismic surveys are used to locate oil and gas reserves beneath the ocean floor. The surveys involve the use of air guns that produce intense bursts of sound, which can be harmful to marine life, particularly whales and dolphins.
- Underwater construction: Construction activities such as drilling, pile driving, and dredging can produce significant amounts of noise, which can impact marine life in the area.
- Military sonar: Military ships and submarines use sonar to detect other vessels and underwater obstacles. The high-intensity sound produced by sonar can be harmful to marine life, particularly whales and dolphins.
Effects of Marine Noise Pollution:
- Disorientation: Loud noises can disorient marine animals and cause them to become confused or disoriented, which can lead to injury or death.
- Behavioral changes: Noise pollution can alter the behavior of marine animals, such as their feeding patterns or migration routes, which can have long-term effects on the health of the population.
- Masking of communication: Loud noises can mask the communication signals of marine animals, making it difficult for them to locate potential mates, communicate with their offspring, and find food.
- Physiological stress: Exposure to loud noises can cause physiological stress in marine animals, which can weaken their immune system and make them more susceptible to disease.
- Strandings: Some marine animals, particularly whales and dolphins, are sensitive to sound and can become disoriented by loud noises. This can result in strandings, where the animals beach themselves and often die.
- More about effects https://optimizeias.com/noise-pollution-affects-dolphins-ability-to-communicate/
Global initiatives to tackle Marine noise Pollution
- International Maritime Organization (IMO): The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for regulating shipping activities The organization has developed guidelines for reducing the noise produced by ships, such as limiting the speed of ships in certain areas to reduce noise levels.
- International Whaling Commission (IWC): The IWC is an intergovernmental organization that is responsible for the conservation and management of whale populations The organization has called for a reduction in underwater noise pollution, particularly from seismic surveys and military sonar, as a means of protecting whale populations.