Noise Pollution Is Killing Whales—Call For Seasonal Ship Speed Reductions
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Sponsor: Free The Ocean
Our oceans’ majestic whales are being drowned out by shipping noise—act now to protect their lives and preserve their irreplaceable role in the marine ecosystem.
Our oceans are at risk, and so are the majestic whales that call them home. Cargo ships create a constant roar beneath the waves, disrupting the essential lives of marine mammals. For species like whales, sound is survival—they use it to communicate, navigate, and find food. Ship noise drowns out these vital signals, leaving them disoriented, vulnerable, and fighting for survival1.
The Problem
Shipping noise isn’t just an annoyance—it’s deadly. Studies reveal that underwater noise from vessels alters whale behavior, disrupts migration, and decreases foraging efficiency2. Some species, like Southern Resident killer whales, spend less time feeding in noisy waters, further compounding the threat from dwindling prey availability3.
Even harbor porpoises react to ship noise from more than two kilometers away by diving deeper or changing course, burning precious energy and increasing stress4. Ship strikes are also a leading cause of death for many whales, including critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, whose population hovers near the brink of extinction5.
A Solution That Works
The science is clear: slowing ships reduces harm. A 20% reduction in vessel speed can cut underwater noise levels by 6 decibels, reducing the area of noise exposure by up to 75%1. Programs like Quiet Sound in Puget Sound have already demonstrated success. Voluntary slowdowns reduced noise levels reaching Southern Resident killer whales by half5.
However, voluntary efforts aren’t enough. Without consistent participation, the benefits remain limited. That’s why mandatory seasonal slowdowns in critical whale zones are essential. These measures ensure uniform compliance during migration and feeding periods, safeguarding marine life when they need it most2.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about whales; it’s about the future of our oceans. Whales play a vital role in marine ecosystems, helping regulate fish populations and even supporting carbon storage by fertilizing phytoplankton1. Protecting them benefits the entire planet.
Slower ships also bring practical benefits, reducing collisions and fostering sustainable shipping practices without significant costs to the industry3.
Take Action
Time is running out for many of these species, but we can make a difference. By urging NOAA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of Transportation to implement mandatory seasonal slowdowns for commercial ships in whale zones, we can reduce noise, prevent collisions, and give these incredible creatures a fighting chance.
Sign the petition today to stand up for whales and ensure that their songs continue to echo through our oceans.
- Charlotte R Findlay, Laia Rojano-Doñate, Jakob Tougaard, Mark P Johnson, Peter Teglberg Madsen, Science Advances (2023 June 21), "Small reductions in cargo vessel speed substantially reduce noise impacts to marine mammals."
- Caitlin K. Frankish, Alexander M. von Benda-Beckmann, Jonas Teilmann, Jakob Tougaard, Rune Dietz, Signe Sveegaard, Bas Binnerts, Christ A.F. de Jong, Jacob Nabe-Nielsen, Marine Pollution Bulletin (December 2023), "Ship noise causes tagged harbour porpoises to change direction or dive deeper."
- Rob Williams, Erin Ashe, Laurel Yruretagoyena, Natalie Mastick, Margaret Siple, Jason Wood, Ruth Joy, Roland Langrock, Sina Mews, Emily Finne, Marine Pollution Bulletin (December 2021), "Reducing vessel noise increases foraging in endangered killer whales."
- Marine Mammals (19 July 2023), "Reductions in Vessel Speed Reduce Noise Impacts on Marine Mammals."
- NOAA Fisheries (4 September 2024), "Quiet Sound’s Voluntary Ship Slowdown Reduces Underwater Noise Reaching Killer Whales."
The Petition:
To the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Coast Guard, and Department of Transportation,
The ocean's gentle giants face a growing, invisible threat: noise pollution from commercial shipping. Whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals depend on sound for survival, using it to communicate, navigate, and forage. Yet, the relentless noise from cargo vessels drowns out their voices, disrupts critical behaviors, and puts entire populations at risk.
We urge you to implement mandatory seasonal slowdowns for commercial ships in whale zones, following proven examples of voluntary initiatives that have already reduced underwater noise by half. These slowdowns are a simple, effective, and compassionate step to ensure the survival of endangered species, including Southern Resident killer whales and North Atlantic right whales, whose populations are critically low.
Slowing ship speeds significantly reduces underwater noise and minimizes fatal ship strikes, offering an immediate solution to protect marine life while maintaining shipping efficiency. Voluntary programs have shown promise, but compliance is inconsistent. Mandating speed limits during critical migration and feeding seasons will ensure uniform, measurable results that align with the responsibilities of your agencies under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act.
This is a matter of compassion and humanity. Whales and other marine mammals play a vital role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems, which directly support fisheries, tourism, and the global climate. Protecting them is not just an environmental obligation but a moral one.
By enacting mandatory slowdowns, you can lead the way toward a better future—one where economic activity coexists with thriving marine ecosystems. Together, we can create oceans where the songs of whales are not silenced by human activity but harmonize with a sustainable future for all.
Sincerely,
