Underwater Noise From Shipping: Opportunities for Action

Commercial shipping is the primary source of underwater noise pollution in the ocean today, and its impacts to marine life are far-ranging and harmful.

Growing scientific evidence has shown that underwater noise adversely affects the entire marine food web, encompassing aquatic plants, plankton, invertebrates, fishes, and marine mammals, posing a substantial threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Furthermore, underwater noise from shipping continues to intensify – doubling roughly each decade – mirroring the growth in global shipping activities.

Urgent action by policy-makers, the shipping industry, and others is needed at the international, national, and regional levels to reduce underwater noise pollution in the ocean.

Briefing created in collaboration with the Natural Resources Defense Council, International Fund for Animal Welfare, OceanCare, and Humane World for Animals