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Question: Sources of Anthropogenic Sound in the Marine Environment

Answer: Anthropogenic sound is created in the ocean both purposefully and unintentionally. The result is noise
pollution that is high-intensity and acute, as well as lower-level and chronic. The locations of noise
pollution are along well-traveled paths in the sea and particularly encompass coastal and continental shelf
waters. Increased use of the sea for commercial shipping, geophysical exploration, and advanced warfare
has resulted in a higher level of noise pollution over the past few decades. Informed estimates suggest that
noise levels are at least 10 times higher today than they were a few decades ago.
A long-term monitoring program is needed to track future changes in ocean noise. Acoustic data should be
included in global ocean observing systems now being planned by U.S. and international research
foundations. Data from these monitoring systems should be openly available, and accessible to decision
makers in industry, in the military, and in regulatory agencies. In tandem, a database should be developed
to collect, organize and standardize data on ocean noise measurements and related anthropogenic activities.
Currently, data regarding shipping, seismic exploration, oil and gas production, and other marine activities
are either not collected or are difficult to obtain and analyze because they are maintained by separate
organizations. Marine noise measurements and anthropogenic source data should be used to develop a
global model of ocean noise. An important component of model development is better understanding of
the characteristics for anthropogenic noise sources such as commercial shipping, arigun arrays, and military
sonar. Research should be conducted relating the overall levels of anthropogenic activity (such as the types
and numbers of vessels) with the resulting noise.

(Source: , 24 Aug 2021)

Source Link: https://www.mmc.gov/wp-content/uploads/hildebrand.pdf