Ship noise may affect whale exchange

Recent findings from James Cook University in Australia suggest that the increasing presence of ships in the Great Barrier Reef could be disrupting the communication of whales. Scientists have raised concerns that the noise generated by vessel engines may interfere with the low-frequency sounds that whales use to communicate over long distances.

Last year, researchers deployed large underwater microphones near a coral reef in Townsville, a coastal city in Australia, to capture sounds over a three-month period. Professor Colin Simpfendorfer, who led the analysis of the recordings, identified three main types of sounds: natural background noise from weather changes, biological sounds from marine life, and the loud rumble of ship engines. He explained that the frequencies of these engine noises overlap significantly with those used by whales for communication.

While the study is still in its early stages, Simpfendorfer emphasized that the growing number of vessels in the area could lead to more serious issues in the future. As whales rely heavily on low-frequency calls to interact with each other, increased noise pollution might hinder their ability to communicate effectively, potentially affecting their social structures and survival.

Simpfendorfer also noted that there is currently very little research on the impact of ship noise on whale behavior. He hopes that further studies will help scientists better understand this issue and develop ways to minimize the disturbance caused by human activity in marine environments.

Copyright Statement: This article is sourced from online media and reflects only the author's opinion. It is not affiliated with this website. If any content or comments infringe upon your legal rights, please contact us, and we will address it promptly.