Because the polar ice cap is melting, the seaways around the Arctic Circle are becoming more navigable, and because it's faster route than through the Panama canal, more popular. The increase in shipping means more noise in what had previously been very quiet waters. And the noise is affecting the ability of bowhead whales to communicate. It becomes difficult for mothers to fin their young and can scare off fish prey.
Also as the sea ice retreats, orca whales are able to move further north and hunt the bowheads and narwhals.
Noise pollution is something I'd never considered as a threat to sea life. Humans are responsible for so much damage.
Look at this amazing photo of a curious walrus.
5 comments:
Did you know that walrusses walk on their teeth?
I'm sure if the almighty dollar is concerned …
humans are responsible for most every bad and ill thought thing!
sharing the planet with mother nature and her kind are their last concern.
just ask our president and congress.
despicable.
hope your husband is doing better! wishing you both good days and good health! xo
Liz:
I am glad that your husband is doing well.... I know it likely feels frustrating that the progress is slower than you would like.... but it seems like the eventual outcome will be very, very good. I also can fully understand your feelings of emotional upheaval. It is something I too have felt during similar experiences. It is especially hard (for me) to focus when my emotions are so strong and consuming.
As for the noise pollution.... I can readily understand how that can be devastating for many creatures. I myself tend to be very noise sensitive. Pollution comes in so many different forms than what we commonly envision... and all can affect both wildlife and humankind. Chemical pollution is the most examined, but noise, light, temperature, heck... nearly any parameter can be a pollutant if it makes a living creature’s survivability harder.
PipeTobacco
Given the amount of noise seagulls make, it's surprising any sea creature notices.
Your comment, sonata, made me smile! :)
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