How Human Noise Kills Marine Species, as revealed by Scientists

Scientists have warned that the discord of noise made by humans is harming marine species.  A comprehensive assessment revealed that large noise from human activities was as harmful as pollution, overfishing and climate change. 

The study that was conducted by the Journal Science exposed how marine animals can hear from far distances than they can see or smell. According to a report published in the Guardian, most of the marine life uses sound to catch prey as well as attracting a mating partner. 

Prof Carlos Duarte of King Abdullah University in Saudi Arabia argued that: “Marine animal can only sea up to around 10 meters, smell up to around a hundred meters, but they can hear across the entire ocean basins.”

The research concluded that sound “is very important in the marine ecosystems, and noise is pervasive, affecting animals at all levels.” The increasing cacophony in the marine habitat is interfering with how marine animals respond to various survival tactics which include feeding, mating and escape from invasive species.

Anthropogenic noise is the main cause of the declining marine life. Studies reveal that sound travels faster in water than air. Noise made by water vessels increases the mortality rate of marine species.

The study recommended for the adoption of “technological tools to reduce marine noise and improve human stewardship of ocean soundscapes to maintain a health ocean.”