Underwater Noise

Underwater radiated noise is anthropogenic acoustic energy from shipping, seismic airgun surveys, pile driving, and sonar that propagates efficiently through seawater and degrades the acoustic habitat marine animals rely on for communication, navigation, and foraging. Continuous low-frequency shipping noise raises ambient levels across whole ocean basins; impulsive sources can injure or displace cetaceans. The IMO has issued voluntary ship-quieting guidelines and regions set noise budgets.