The ocean once echoed with nature’s voice – crashing waves, whale songs, and seabirds calling across distant waters for survival and direction. Now, the hum of commercial ships drowns those sounds. That hum, unheard by humans, disorients, divides, and even destroys marine life. Understanding the impact on marine life is crucial to preserve the ocean’s biodiversity.
Modern trade relies on massive ships. These floating giants bring noise with them – a relentless, low-frequency sound reaching every corner of the ocean. Unlike oil or plastic, underwater noise leaves no mark. But its consequences ripple deep across ecosystems, especially for sound-reliant creatures vital to marine life.
The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) now sees underwater noise as a growing and urgent global concern. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez raised the alarm during the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France.
He stated clearly: the IMO is ready to act. Shipping can’t ignore the damage it causes under the sea’s surface. “We know this noise harms ocean life,” Dominguez said. “We’re the main users of the ocean, so we must lead in protecting it. Protecting marine life is essential for the future.”
GLOBAL TRADE, GLOBAL IMPACT
Over 80 percent of global goods travel by sea. Engines, hulls, and propellers create noise that spreads far and disrupts marine signals. Whales lose direction. Dolphins miss mating calls. Coral reefs fall silent. Many species can’t adapt fast enough to this rising noise affecting marine life.
Shipping noise stretches from the Arctic to the Great Barrier Reef. It endangers marine migrations, feeding grounds, and biodiversity at large. Scientists say this isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a profound threat to marine life, especially for species that depend entirely on sound for life and safety.
UPDATED GUIDELINES TO REDUCE NOISE
In 2023, the IMO updated voluntary guidelines aimed at cutting underwater radiated noise (URN) from ships. The effort began in 2014. The plan includes technical changes – improved hull shapes, quieter propellers, and smoother operating speeds to soften noise emissions and help safeguard marine life.
The IMO launched a three-year “experience building” phase, asking countries to share data, lessons, and innovations from these updated guidelines. The guidelines also advise changes during construction and operation – smaller noise footprints can be built into every new ship, which is beneficial for marine life. Sensitive regions like the Galápagos and the Tubbataha Reefs need this protection most. They house unique species and Indigenous communities.
LOCAL ACTION, GLOBAL BENEFITS
The IMO isn’t acting alone. It partners with UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to form the GloNoise Partnership.
This initiative includes pilot projects in six countries: Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, India, South Africa, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Their goal is simple: reduce the shipping sector’s acoustic footprint and share innovations with the world’s maritime industries. These countries will test new technologies, map underwater soundscapes, and guide future global shipping practices for quieter seas and healthier marine life.
THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY
New propeller designs, clean hulls, and better vessel maintenance reduce turbulence and sound – all without reducing cargo volume. Speed matters too. Slower ships make less noise, burn less fuel, and reduce collisions with marine mammals. Everyone benefits, including marine life.
Dominguez emphasized: “Cleaner hulls, new technologies, and slower speeds can reduce underwater noise drastically without halting global trade.”
WHY IT MATTERS
The ocean isn’t just scenery – it feeds billions and regulates our climate. A quieter ocean helps it thrive and endure, which benefits marine life. Dominguez said shipping must adapt to protect the ecosystem it depends on. “This isn’t optional,” he warned. “It’s essential for survival.”
The IMO believes real change is possible, especially if countries, companies, and scientists work together with clear, firm commitment to safeguard marine life.
A CALL TO ACTION
Dominguez made it clear at UNOC3: “It’s time to move beyond promises. Let’s measure results and act on what we pledged for the sake of marine life.”
Science backs him. Noise pollution threatens biodiversity, disrupts fisheries, and could lead to marine ecosystem collapse if left unchecked. The ocean’s health reflects our planet’s health. Reducing noise is an urgent, achievable step toward long-term marine conservation and resilience.
A QUIETER FUTURE IS POSSIBLE
The ocean doesn’t need to go silent. But it needs our noise to soften. Ships can sail with purpose and with less harm.
Through policy, technology, and cooperation, we can let whales sing again, protect reef life, and restore balance to the ocean’s voice, ensuring a thriving marine life.
