Home   »   UPSC Syllabus 2024   »   Ocean Noise Pollution and Marine Biodiversity

Ocean Noise Pollution and Marine Biodiversity

Key Highlights Of Ocean Noise Pollution and Marine Biodiversity

  • This study was published under the title ‘Anthropogenic noise impairs cooperation in bottlenose dolphins.’
  • Significance of sound for dolphins: Dolphins rely heavily on sound production and reception to navigate, communicate, hunt, and avoid predators in dark or limited vision waters.
  • How does ocean noise pollution affect dolphins?
    • Anthropogenic noise coming from large commercial ships, military sonars or offshore drilling can severely impact their well-being.
    • Through an experiment, the study has found that noise pollution impacts their behaviour to communicate and work together, which in turn affects their ability to navigate, and forage.

Bottlenose Dolphin

  • These are aquatic mammals belonging to the family of oceanic dolphins.
  • They contain two species: the common bottlenose dolphin and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin.
  • They inhabit warm and temperate seas worldwide, except for the Arctic and Antarctic Circle regions.
  • Conservation status of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin:
    • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
    • CITES: Appendix II

About Ocean Noise Pollution

  • Ocean noise refers to sounds made by human activities that can interfere with or obscure the ability of marine animals to hear natural sounds in the ocean.
  • The critical role played by sound in the lives of marine animals:
Ocean Noise Pollution
Ocean Noise Pollution
  • Sources of Ocean Noise Pollution:
    • The main sources are human activities such as shipping, oil and gas exploration and production, construction, and naval sonar.
    • Other sources include commercial and recreational fishing, and underwater blasting.
    • Climate change also contributes to ocean noise pollution through the melting of sea ice and the increased frequency of storms.

Stats IQ: Current Scenario of Ocean Noise Pollution

  • According to a 2019 report from the United Nations, shipping is responsible for the majority of ocean noise pollution, with the number of ships increasing by 2.5% per year.
  • The report states that shipping traffic in some areas is now up to 10 times higher than in the 1960s, and this increase in noise is having a detrimental impact on marine life.
  • Another report, published in the journal “Nature” in 2018, found that ocean noise has increased by roughly 3 decibels per decade since the 1960s, with some areas experiencing increases of up to 10 decibels per decade.
  • How Ocean Noise Pollution Impacts Marine Biodiversity?
    • Disruption of communication: Noise pollution can disrupt their communicating behaviours, leading to a decrease in population numbers and diversity.
    • Stress response: Exposure to noise pollution can cause a stress response in marine animals, leading to changes in behaviour and physiology, and an increased risk of disease and death.
    • Masking of important sounds: Noise pollution can mask important sounds that marine animals rely on, such as the sounds of prey or potential mates, leading to difficulty in finding food and reproducing.
    • Changes in distribution and abundance: Noise pollution can cause changes in the distribution and abundance of marine species, leading to a decrease in biodiversity in certain areas and an increase in others.
    • Reduced productivity: Noise pollution can negatively impact the productivity of marine ecosystems, leading to a decrease in overall biodiversity.

Case Study: Mass Stranding Of Whales On Tasmania’s West Coast

  • In 2020, Australia witnessed one of its worst mass stranding of whales when around 200 of them died on Tasmania’s west coast.
  • Researchers suggest that mass stranding is linked to noise pollution in oceans, which have a negative impact on the survival and well-being of marine mammals.
Tasmania’s West Coast
Tasmania’s West Coast

Sharing is caring!

FAQs

what are Bottlenose Dolphin?

These are aquatic mammals belonging to the family of oceanic dolphins.

Download your free content now!

Congratulations!

We have received your details!

We'll share General Studies Study Material on your E-mail Id.

Download your free content now!

We have already received your details!

We'll share General Studies Study Material on your E-mail Id.

Incorrect details? Fill the form again here

General Studies PDF

Thank You, Your details have been submitted we will get back to you.