Changing Soundscape of the Arctic Ocean

As an Observer to the Arctic Council, the WWF Global Arctic Programme has co-led the Underwater Noise in the Arctic projects. Dr. Lancaster, with her background in research and conservation of species, has been closely involved in PAME's latest report. She explains the big impact that underwater noise can have on Arctic species.

"We know that marine life in the Arctic Ocean is quite naive to underwater noise because they've been naturally shielded from sources of human-made noise," said Dr. Lancaster.

She explains that extremely loud noises can damage animals' ear drums, or even lead them to strand on beaches, which can cause death. Shipping noise, however, is different.

"Shipping is most likely causing disturbance to animals, leading them to stop feeding or to leave an area," said Dr. Lancaster. "For example, narwhal are extremely sensitive to underwater noise and can change their entire behavioral pattern. If a ship navigates through their natural habitat, it can cause them to leave and not return for several days or longer if there's repeated activity. The sound can cause narwhal to reduce or completely stop eating, while they also use up more energy to flee."

Dr. Lancaster shared that there have been observations of beluga whales fleeing in response to an ice breaking ship from 30 to 50 kilometers away. She explained that they form groups and once they've fled, they won't come back to the area for several days. Walrus have been observed to change their behavior, increasing their diving and moving away from the source.

Underwater noise doesn't impact species in isolation, it impacts the entire ecosystem. If one species changes behavior because of noise disruption, that can have ripple effects on the food web. A growing body of knowledge also tells us that underwater noise has impacts on many marine species, from mussels to fish, right up to whales. Dr. Lancaster also points out that noise pollution is just one disruption species need to contend with.

"We already have animals trying to cope with transformation of their habitats and changes in their food sources due to climate change. A number of these species are dependent on sea ice for example, so they're experiencing massive changes all around." said Dr. Lancaster. "We're concerned the addition of yet another pressure due to underwater noise is something that's unnecessary in the Arctic."

Healthy populations of marine mammals, fish and other species are critical for the livelihoods, food security and cultures of many Indigenous Peoples.

"A lot of these species that we know to be particularly affected by underwater noise are also species that are heavily relied upon by many coastal Indigenous Peoples. This element can't be understated. We need a healthy ocean," stated Dr. Lancaster.