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Underwater noise from maritime sources and impact on marine life

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Abstract

Underwater Sound is essential for marine animal functioning. Sound levels from human sources in the marine environment interfere with sound-mediated behaviour in marine animals when shipping coincides with areas or pathways that are vital for animal populations. The impact of human-generated underwater sound to ecosystem functioning and biodiversity receives increasing attention, although as yet it has not been included in the work of international organisations, such as the IMO. At MEPC 55 a document on ships striking whales was discussed; it was noted that disturbed whale hearing might hamper the recognition of a ship approaching.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CaTO Marine Ecosystems, Oosterweg 1, 9995, VJ Kantens, The Netherlands

    Cato C. ten Hallers-Tjabbes

  2. Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790, AB Den Burg, The Netherlands

    Cato C. ten Hallers-Tjabbes

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  1. Cato C. ten Hallers-Tjabbes
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Correspondence to Cato C. ten Hallers-Tjabbes.

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ten Hallers-Tjabbes, C.C. Underwater noise from maritime sources and impact on marine life. WMU J Marit Affairs 6, 225–233 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03195117

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