Ocean Noise

Imagine the shock of the sound of a rocket launching into orbit, even with earplugs the sound is shocking and painful. Luckily, the sound passes quickly and you can return to life as normal, however, earplugs and a quick escape are not an option to whales and other marine life near SONAR testing sites. Studies have shown that these loud sounds caused by the Navy's of  many countries and energy corporations have an intense effect on whale's abilities to interact and function which can lead to death. "By the Navy's own estimates, even 300 miles from the source, these sonic waves can retain an intensity of 140 decibels -- a hundred times more intense than the level known to alter the behavior of large whales." The Navy and energy companies should work to regulate their use of SONAR and other systems that create ocean noise in order to protect marine life in the surrounding areas.


So some whales can't hear for a while, whats the issue? The issue lies here: marine mammals use hearing for more than just communication. Dolphins and whales use their incredibly strong hearing abilities for hunting, protection, they even use it to orient themselves. To put it into perspective: a whale can hunt completely blind by using their keen hearing abilities. This sense is incredibly pivotal to the survival of marine mammals.According to an article by the Natural Resources Defense Council, when marine mammals are exposed to the loud SONAR of the Navy they are instantly disoriented, the shockingly loud sounds cause them to bleed from their ears and brains. As the dolphins and whales attempt to escape the sounds they may swim to deeper water, as they return to the surface from deep water they often get "the bends" which is caused by surfacing to quickly from deep water. All of these problems are often found as the cause of death in beached marine mammals that have died in an area where SONAR is being tested. It's not a coincidence.Joel Reynolds, the senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said "there is no question that sonar injures and kills whales and dolphins." As dolphins in whales continue to be killed in large numbers by SONAR the need for action becomes more urgent.


This video shows the aftermath of several SONAR tests conducted by Navies in different locations.  It also discusses ways to avoid these killings. 



This is avoidable. The Navy can still use SONAR without harming marine life. As the video discusses, this issue can be fixed using "common sense." By taking simple actions such as avoiding SONAR testing where whales are feeding and calving and making sure whales and dolphins are not nearby during testing, these tragic deaths can be avoided.


http://www.nrdc.org/wildlife/marine/sonar.asp