Extract:
Underwater noise pollution isn't just a nuisance to whales, it's lethal.
Massive bursts of underwater sound from military sonar and oil exploration, as well as the constant drone from ships, can deafen or kill whales and dolphins, and may be responsible for mass stranding events around the world.
As someone who has taken action to stop commercial whaling, I thought you'd also like to learn about some of ways IFAW is working to reduce the impact of ocean noise pollution to protect whales. Please join us on Facebook at facebook.com/ifawhq to get the latest updates on our many campaigns to help whales.
Effects on whales
Blue whales once communicated across entire oceans. Today, the distance over which they can 'speak' to each other has shrunk by nine-tenths.
Whales use their own super-sensitive sonar to find food, explore their environment, woo mates, and keep in touch with distant relatives or group members. But noises from some human activities can drown out these natural sounds, leaving whales and dolphins disconnected and disoriented. In fact, ocean noise is already driving some marine mammals from their breeding and feeding grounds.
Military sonar produces such massive volumes of sound that whales and dolphins literally beach themselves to escape the underwater shockwave. Some of these beached whales are already injured - bleeding near their brains or ears - and even uninjured beached whales usually die.
Turning down the noise
Many countries use high-intensity active military sonar, including the United States. That's why IFAW has banded together with other conservation groups to address this deadly form of underwater noise pollution by identifying low-risk areas for sonar tests and establishing safety zones around vessels that emit sonar.
IFAW has used the US court system to restrict the use of naval sonar, winning two important victories to date. And IFAW's European offices are also working to ensure that underwater noise is officially recognised as a pollutant. This is the first step towards developing international regulations to control underwater noise
Massive bursts of underwater sound from military sonar and oil exploration, as well as the constant drone from ships, can deafen or kill whales and dolphins, and may be responsible for mass stranding events around the world.
As someone who has taken action to stop commercial whaling, I thought you'd also like to learn about some of ways IFAW is working to reduce the impact of ocean noise pollution to protect whales. Please join us on Facebook at facebook.com/ifawhq to get the latest updates on our many campaigns to help whales.
Effects on whalesBlue whales once communicated across entire oceans. Today, the distance over which they can 'speak' to each other has shrunk by nine-tenths.
Whales use their own super-sensitive sonar to find food, explore their environment, woo mates, and keep in touch with distant relatives or group members. But noises from some human activities can drown out these natural sounds, leaving whales and dolphins disconnected and disoriented. In fact, ocean noise is already driving some marine mammals from their breeding and feeding grounds.
Military sonar produces such massive volumes of sound that whales and dolphins literally beach themselves to escape the underwater shockwave. Some of these beached whales are already injured - bleeding near their brains or ears - and even uninjured beached whales usually die.
Turning down the noiseMany countries use high-intensity active military sonar, including the United States. That's why IFAW has banded together with other conservation groups to address this deadly form of underwater noise pollution by identifying low-risk areas for sonar tests and establishing safety zones around vessels that emit sonar.
IFAW has used the US court system to restrict the use of naval sonar, winning two important victories to date. And IFAW's European offices are also working to ensure that underwater noise is officially recognised as a pollutant. This is the first step towards developing international regulations to control underwater noise
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