http://english.pravda.ru/science/19/94/377/15380_sound.html
Man-caused noise pollution of the ocean kills sea animals
04/29/2005 11:33
The sound pollution makes whales and dolphins commit massive suicides by
coming ashore
Humans create too much noise in the world ocean, which make it a rather
uncomfortable place to live for sea animals and fish. Man-caused noise is the
source of too much discomfort for underwater animals, who use the sense of
hearing as the most important organ of perception. Sounds help sea animals
orient themselves in the ocean and also communicate with each other. Scientists
believe that the so-called acoustic smog virtually blinds sea creatures, which
negatively affects their nourishment and worsens the reproductive function, Le
Soir wrote.
Researchers have already determined before that whales come ashore on
account of sounds produced by ultrasound scanners of battleships and
submarines. Furthermore, scientists are deeply concerned about the noise
background, which merchant shipping causes in the depths of the ocean.
Specialists say that noisiest territories of the global ocean are situated in
the North Atlantic water area and in the north of the Pacific Ocean. The sound
pollution is very high in the ocean around Indonesia. The man-caused noise in
the ocean gradually destroys the underwater animal world. "Sea animals rely on
sound, they do not see anything," scientists say.
For the time being, there are not enough reasons to talk about the real
effect of the noise pollution in the global ocean. Modern technologies are not
advanced enough to give researchers an opportunity to watch sea animals closely
and come to certain conclusion about the effect the noise influence has on
their conduct.
The strengthening of the resonant pollution is happening simultaneously
with the development of the commercial sea navigation. The tonnage of the
world merchant fleet raised from 85 to 550 million tons from 1948 to 1998. The
noise level in the ocean has gained about 15 decibels during the period,
scientists say. Commercial shipping companies are not going to spend their
money on restricting the level of noise pollution in the ocean as long as the
problem and its consequences remain insufficiently explored. Scientists
believe, however, that the increasing interest in the issue will definitely be
helpful in achieving progress in the field.
Read the original in Russian: (Translated by: Dmitry Sudakov)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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