Noise and chemical pollution

Noise pollution has become a major threat to whales and dolphins in recent years. Of all their senses, sound is the one on which they rely on most. An increasing amount of noise pollution in their environment can have a major, and even fatal, impact on the animals.

Chemical pollution effects whales and dolphins in a number of ways. In some parts of the world, the bodies of whales and dolphins that wash ashore are so highly contaminated that they qualify as toxic waste and have to be specially disposed of.

Domestic sewage, industrial waste, oil spills, agricultural and domestic run-off all impact the health of our seas and oceans, causing disease in whales and dolphins and impacting their ability to reproduce. 

As top predators, whales and dolphins are particularly affected by persistent pollutants found in pesticides and industrial chemicals, such as DDT and PCBs, which accumulate as they move up the marine food chain.

WDCS conducts research into the impacts of pollution, raising awareness of the threat though inter-governmental agreements and treaties.

To find out more please read our recent report on Noise Pollution (available in PDF format).

Oceans of Noise (2004)

Noise Pollution Shipping, marine industries and military activities around the world are introducing powerful, loud noise into the oceans. 2008-February-25