In the latest episode of "Ocean," explore the remarkable ways in which fish, whales, and other marine animals communicate through sounds. However, their vital communication is being increasingly overwhelmed by the noise generated by water transportation, offshore platforms, and underwater surveys. The consequences of this noise pollution may be far worse than previously anticipated, Euronews reports.
On the coast of Brittany, France, Yann Fontana, a scientific diver from the Roscoff Biological Station, is preparing for a dive. His objective is to deploy a hydrophone on the seabed, an underwater device used for sound recording. This equipment is essential for the scientific study of bioacoustics led by Lucia Di Yorio. She is actively involved in international projects such as TREC and BIOcean5D, capturing the so-called "soundscapes" of the seafloor along the European coastline.
What Lies Beneath the Waters?
"Here, we mainly listen to marine grasses and kelp," explains Lucia Di Yorio. "It is precisely where fish fry and larvae are born and grow. These areas protect the shore from erosion, release oxygen, and sequester carbon — playing a crucial role in ecosystems."
Scientists hope that sound recordings will help them better understand the health of these hotspots of marine biodiversity. Meanwhile, the diver retrieves another hydrophone from the seabed, which has been capturing the "soundscapes" of the kelp forest for an extended period. Its decryption will take place in the laboratory of the Roscoff Biological Station. Bioacoustics
Lucia Di Yorio has been engaged in ocean listening for over 15 years, seeking practical applications for the knowledge gained in preserving fragile ecosystems. She can immediately identify natural sounds on the underwater recordings and more.
The Soundscapes of Marine Life
"In kelp forests, as it is a rocky environment, there are many clicking shrimps, making sounds like 'krhhhh'," Di Yorio increases the volume. "And then we hear 'thud, thud' - very low-frequency sounds. Those are the fish: they communicate with each other using such sounds. However, vessel traffic disrupts animal communication. Imagine living next to a highway or a busy road where cars constantly pass by - it's annoying! Noise bothers us, and it bothers the inhabitants of the marine environment in the same way."
Harmful Noise for All
The growing noise pollution in the underwater environment is causing increasing concern among scientists. There is ample evidence that marine fauna experiences stress from excessive noise. This stress adds to the multitude of other factors undermining the health of fragile ecosystems. It is highly likely that the negative effects of noise pollution affect the entire biodiversity of the ocean.
Uncovering the Impact of Underwater Noise
Lucia Di Yorio's experiment explores how phytoplankton respond to underwater sound. If even these microscopic organisms suffer from noise, it could have far-reaching effects throughout the food chain. Previously, research in marine bioacoustics focused mainly on whales and dolphins, but recent findings by scientists like Michel Andre have revealed that noise pollution in the ocean affects a wide range of species, including invertebrates. This realization has led to a global network of marine acoustic stations established through the LIDO project. Anthropogenic sources of noise, such as marine transportation and industrial activities, create an underwater "acoustic fog" that endangers marine life.
Combatting Underwater Noise: Making Ships Quieter
In the quest to reduce underwater noise pollution, Michel Andre's concept suggests the use of autonomous acoustic observatories in the ocean. These observatories can automatically detect and notify sources of high noise levels, urging them to adopt quieter practices.
A team of experts near the bustling port of Hamburg is studying the reactions of seals to noise, providing valuable insights into the effects of maritime activities. By examining the data collected from specially tagged seals, they are able to determine the impact of ship noise on these marine animals. The findings serve as a basis for proposing solutions to make ships quieter.
Proposed measures include the modification of propeller designs, adjustments to vessel speed, and the optimization of shipping routes. By implementing these changes, the maritime industry can significantly reduce its contribution to underwater noise pollution.
This collaborative effort is part of the SATURN project, a European initiative that explores both biological and engineering aspects of the issue. By addressing the problem of underwater noise, researchers aim to mitigate one of the numerous detrimental effects of human activities on the ocean.
Compared to other forms of pollution, such as chemical contamination and plastic waste, reducing noise pollution holds promise for relatively rapid and effective solutions. It is a tangible step towards preserving the health and well-being of marine ecosystems.
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