Noise pollution has been a growing problem in the oceans and other large bodies of water for decades. Commercial shipping, oil exploration, recreation and even scientific research are all raising the decibel levels within marine habitats, adding to naturally occurring rackets like earthquakes, crashing waves and tidal changes. And because sound travels farther in water than air, each new source has an outsize effect. From the NYTimes.
The ocean is a noisy place for oysters and seahorses;
The sardines never get to hear the coral’s fine discourses.
What with ships that churn the waves with deafening commotion,
The mermaids now need hearing aids deep down within the ocean.
The sharks and eels are so annoyed at such incessant drilling,
They plough the sandy bottoms with their heads -- like rototilling.
The song of whales is drowned by scuba divers’ bubbly chatter,
And scientific submarines cause jellyfish to shatter.
The starfish fall; the shrimp go limp; the blowfish is deflated --
Even bottom feeders are becoming nauseated.
To stop the din I recommend we fill the seven seas
With soundproofing material -- such as Velveeta cheese!
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Journalist's response:
Interesting story - and a great poem!
Saabira Chaudhuri
The Wall Street Journal
The News Building
Phone: +44(0)2078429252
Mobile: +44(0)7768464939
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