Impact of Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) on Marine Eco-system
Atharva Nagarkar
Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune
There have been significant efforts taken so far by the maritime industry to reduce the levels of noise and vibration emissions by various types of ships. The issue was initially addressed so as to prevent structural fatigue damage to the onboard machinery and heavy-duty equipment. For the last three decades, the comfort of passengers as well as the health of the crews has been increasingly considered by all the stakeholders such as ship owners, shipyards and regulatory classification societies. However, with the technological advancements and research, there is no doubt that the increase of underwater noise related to anthropogenic activity at sea induces grave risk on marine life. The adverse effects of the use of powerful sound sources such as low frequency active sonar, air guns which are used by oil industry, pile driving for installation of offshore platform etc. are visible for all to see and have been reported. The hazards created because of underwater noise generated by commercial shipping are presently becoming more acute because of the steady increase of ship traffic and vessel size. Despite the fact that noise levels generated by shipping as compared to other sources such as active sonar, the radiated noise occurs continuously and it has been established that it tends to impacts large maritime areas. The harassment effect on the aquatic life can cause large disturbance on the biologic functions of some marine species, and in the long term, lead to habitat loss and negative consequences on biodiversity. Excessive levels of underwater noise can be especially dangerous for sea creatures like whales and dolphins, hindering their ability to communicate, hunt, migrate and echolocate.
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Atharva Nagarkar
Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune
B.Tech Final Year Mechanical Engineering student at Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune