Researchers have noted a significant reduction in underwater noise pollution as a result of coronavirus restrictions allowing them to do something not always possible amongst the cacophony of human maritime activity: listen. 

The data comes from recordings of real-time underwater sound signals from seabed observatories run by Ocean Networks Canada. Researchers monitoring these signals found a notable drop in the levels of low-frequency sound on the seafloor off mainland British Columbia.

“There has been a consistent drop in noise since 1 January, which has amounted to a change of four or five decibels in the period up to 1 April,” said David Barclay, assistant professor of oceanography at Dalhousie University and co-author of the paper examining this data.

These low-frequency sounds are the same as what many baleen whales such as humpbacks and grey whales. With reduced maritime activity creating less of this noise pollution, researchers now have a unique opportunity to study the whales’ communication and potentially gain an insight into how our noise pollution affects it.

“We are facing a moment of truth,” Michelle Fournet, a marine acoustician at Cornell University, told The Narwhal. 

“We have an opportunity to listen – and that opportunity to listen will not appear again in our lifetime.”

There are other ocean scientists monitoring ocean sound around the globe, many of whom have been unable to check in on their recordings due to coronavirus restrictions. Once things return to normal, information from this window of quiet in the oceans could provide invaluable insights into the behaviour of these magnificent species.

 

Positive Action

• For information on Australia’s efforts to protect and conserve whales in our waters, visit the government information page.
• Noise is not the only manner human activity can have a negative impact on whales and other marine life. Make sure to always dispose of your waste responsibly to ensure it doesn’t end up in local waterways. Check Recycling Near You for recycling options in your area.

 

Subscribe to Positive Environment News
Positive Environment News has been compiled using publicly available information. Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.