Underwater noise pollution, which is caused by various human activities such as shipping, oil and gas exploration, construction, and military sonar, can have significant negative impacts on marine life.
Marine animals rely heavily on sound for communication, navigation, and finding food. Loud noises can disrupt these activities and cause stress, injury, or even death. For example, the use of seismic airguns for oil and gas exploration can produce extremely loud sounds that can cause hearing damage or disorientation in marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Noise pollution can also interfere with the mating and feeding behaviors of marine animals. For example, some fish species use sound to attract mates, and loud noises can disrupt this process. In addition, noise pollution can mask the sounds of prey, making it harder for animals to find food.
Overall, the increasing levels of underwater noise pollution are a serious threat to the health and survival of marine ecosystems. It is essential that we take steps to reduce this pollution and protect the underwater environment for the benefit of all marine life.
Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) representative said that “no safe limit for noise levels in the water” has been established by either the environment ministry or any worldwide agency According to a recent study, marine and animal deaths are caused by ship noise, so the government is implement new regulations to address the problem. Certain researches state that over the course of seven decades, the decibel levels of the oceans have increased from a peak of 185–190dB to an average of 210dB. A study conducted by the Maritime Research Centre (MRC), Pune, under the Indian Maritime Foundation found that noise levels in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean will double every 10 years due to increased ship traffic.
Maharashtra Maritime Board: Developing Ports and Infrastructure in Maharashtra, India Pollution
The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) is a government body established in 1996 under the Maharashtra Port Trust Act. The MMB is responsible for the development, maintenance, and regulation of ports and related infrastructure in the state of Maharashtra, India. The board is responsible for the implementation of policies, planning and development of ports, dredging, maintenance of navigational channels, and the provision of port services.
The MMB’s main objective is to create a conducive environment for port-led development, encourage private sector investment in the port sector, and promote the development of coastal shipping as a viable alternative mode of transportation. The board is responsible for the administration of ports including Mumbai Port , Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), and other minor ports in the state.
The MMB works closely with the Ministry of Shipping and other government agencies to ensure the development of modern, efficient, and sustainable ports in the state. It also collaborates with private sector companies to facilitate investments in the port sector.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), India Pollution
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) is a major seaport located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is the largest container port in the country and one of the busiest in South Asia. JNPT was commissioned on May 26, 1989 and named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
JNPT is situated on the eastern shore of Mumbai Harbour, about 30 kilometers from the city of Mumbai. It has a natural deep-water harbor that allows for the handling of large container ships. The port is well-connected to the rest of the country through rail, road and air networks, making it an important hub for trade and commerce.
JNPT is operated by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, which is a government-owned entity under the Ministry of Shipping. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including containerized cargo, liquid cargo, and dry bulk cargo. It has modern facilities and equipment for cargo handling, including container terminals, a liquid cargo terminal, and a dry bulk cargo terminal.
JNPT plays a crucial role in India’s international trade, facilitating the movement of goods to and from the country. It has been instrumental in the growth of India’s economy and has contributed significantly to the development of the country’s infrastructure.
The board has implemented several projects to improve port infrastructure in Maharashtra, including the development of a new port at Dahanu, the modernization of the Mumbai port, and the development of port-based Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The MMB also supports the development of coastal tourism and recreational facilities along the coast of Maharashtra.
Acoustic Habitat Degradation , India Pollution
The report entitled “Acoustic Habitat Degradation” points out that the decibel (dB) level in the ocean has increased by 50 decibels (dB) due to shipping activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) over the past seven decades. Additionally, during this time period, the baseline decibel level along major shipping routes increased to 110dB from 90–95dB. An increase in the number of whale and other marine mammal deaths along the coast may be attributable to this growing problem of ship noise.
However, the constant exposure to ship noise causes them harm, including physical harm, hearing loss, altered behaviour, stress, and masking. Emissions fall into two broad groups, “Acute” and “Chronic.” Underwater noise emission (UNE) levels in Indian waters range from 102 to 115 decibels, as measured in MicroPascals (DB). The East Coast has a somewhat louder level (10 dB) than the West. Hydrophone autonomous systems were placed around 30 nm off the coast of Goa to assess background noise. The sensor was dropped from a depth of 11 metres into water that was 22 metres deep. The single-channel hydrophone was placed at varying depths of water (3 and 5 metres) off the coast of Visakhapatnam port, with results indicating that underwater sounds may be heard up to 18 metres below.The phenomenon, known as masking, may have altered the migratory routes of marine species, forcing them to shallower areas and making it more challenging for them to return to deeper water “according to Mr. Pavan Kumar. Animals including the bottlenose dolphin, manatee, pilot whale, seal, and sperm whale are under danger due to the increasing anthropogenic underwater noise emissions (UNE) from ships in Indian seas. In order to comprehend their auditory system, it is crucial to be familiar with their hearing skills.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
MoEFCC stands for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is a ministry of the Government of India responsible for the conservation and management of the country’s natural resources, including forests, wildlife, and biodiversity, and for addressing issues related to climate change. The ministry is headed by a Cabinet Minister and has several departments and agencies under its jurisdiction, including the National Biodiversity Authority, the National Tiger Conservation Authority, and the National Green Tribunal. The MoEFCC also coordinates India’s participation in international environmental agreements and initiatives.
Sound is the primary source of motivation for a wide range of marine mammal behaviours, including mating, social contact, eating, cluster cohesiveness, and foraging. Experts have pointed to a number of recent instances in which marine creatures lost their bearings due to exposure to excessive noise from fishing. There has been an increase in the volume of marine traffic due to the escalation in the demand for, and volume of, international commodity trade. While it has some influence, India does not rule all of the Indian Ocean. A top official with the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has said that noise is one of the factors considered (MoEFCC).
These potential solutions include redesigning the propellers of vessels, changing their shipping routes, using lower-intensity seismic vibrations and employing acoustic bubble curtains in energy generation stations.
