Today’s Solutions: November 02, 2024

Noise from shipping operations and other human activities can be disruptive to marine animals, especially species like whales which rely on calls through the water to communicate. The good news is there are a few simple solutions that would greatly reduce these auditory disruptions under the sea. 

Researchers analyzed 500 studies of marine noise pollution to find instances where noise could be significantly reduced with simple strategies. First things first, creating quieter propellers and rerouting shipping vessels away from sensitive habitats could be very impactful. About 85 percent of shipping noise comes from propellers, specifically from a condition called cavitation, a propeller design issue. Fortunately, these propellers can be retrofitted to improve efficiency and reduce noise by 75 percent. 

Another potential area for improvement is seismic surveying. This is primarily conducted for oil and gas exploration, but traditional ocean seismic surveying uses frequent pulses which create auditory disruptions for marine life. Fortunately, ExxonMobil, Shell, and French energy company Total designed a marine version of seismic surveying technology which lowers overall sound pressure levels. These are expected to go into circulation in 2023 and widespread adoption in conjunction with reduced oil and gas exploration in favor of renewable energy sources could greatly benefit marine ecosystems. 

Offshore wind farms are another prime location for noise reduction. Easily installed acoustic bubble curtains reduce noise by 95 percent to create renewable energy that can also be generated in harmony with marine life. Ultimately, the most appropriate noise reduction strategy depends on the area and marine life that lives there, but the availability of these solutions means the technology already exists, all that is left to do is implement it.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

This heartwarming Danish ad breaks down the ‘Us vs Them’ narrative

It’s rare that we publish a story about an advertisement, but then again it’s rare that an ad stirs so much emotion within its ...

Read More

NOAHs: Charlotte has a formula for long-lasting affordable housing

We recently shared how empty retail space could be the solution to California’s affordable housing crisis. Across the country in North Carolina, the city ...

Read More

A seat at the table for underrepresented communities

Climate change is already affecting all of us—however, those that bear the brunt of these consequences are predominantly from low-income, marginalized, BIPOC communities. So ...

Read More

Expanding democracy: Michigan opens new doors for formerly incarcerated voters

Malijah Gee's path from incarceration at the age of 17 to imminent freedom reflects the longing for a voice that has been suppressed for 36 years. ...

Read More