This is a paper I wrote about how noise pollution affects whales.

1. Whales Still Threatened By Noise Pollution
Undersea creatures continue to be directly affected by noise pollution. Sonar, mining and
exploration, and massive ships produce the noise pollution which is killing dolphins, seals and
octopus to name a few. Whales, an endangered mammal near extinction, are especially
vulnerable. There exist only about 500 North Atlantic right whales on the planet. This particular
species is drawn by nature towards large ships which results in many sorrowful deaths. Ocean
noise levels have risen to the extent that communication between whales is threatened. Without
their sonar abilities, it is more difficult for them to hunt and find mates.
Hundreds of whales at once have been killed by the most excessive noise pollution. One instance
of this may be attributed to mass strandings. This strange occurrence has taken place for millions
of years where many marine mammals at one time may be driven ashore in deadly heaps by
sudden booming noises.
The oil and gas industry uses harmful instruments like seismic surveys, which paint 3-D images
of rock layers beneath the ocean floor. These images help scientists detect prime areas to drill
test wells. In 2008, an international investigation was undertaken when there was a mass
stranding of melon-headed whales in Madagascar. It was found by the International Whaling
Commission that seismic surveys for ExxonMobil were the cause.
There exist many other threats to whales and marine life, one of which is climate change. This
causes sea temperature to change and ice melt. Besides this, whaling is a major factor in the
endangerment of whales. Japan recently killed over 200 pregnant minke whales during breeding
season, claiming it was done for ‘scientific purposes.