Underwater noise impact

Underwater Noise Pollution: A Growing Threat to Marine Life

« The sea is a living world where every sound matters. By reducing anthropic sources of underwater noise, we aim to preserve the peace of whales, fish, and other ocean inhabitants, fostering a more harmonious coexistence between Human  activities and marine life. »

CEO Sealence – D.DEMOOR.

About Us

The Situation

Today, pile-driving operations, which occur during the installation phase of wind turbines when the pile is driven into the seabed, are one of several sources of underwater noise in the oceans. They generate pulsating sounds ranging from 190 dB to 250 dB, with significant impacts on marine ecosystems.

This situation is worsening due to the increasing demand for energy and the global push toward cleaner energy sources.
Sealence has raised an important question: How can we support industrial players in finding a sustainable solution to this pollution during offshore wind turbine installation?

How Does Underwater Noise Pollution Affect Marine Life ?

Discover the solution

Hearing loss and auditory damage

The noise from shipping, sonar, and other human activities can be very loud, and it can cause hearing loss and other auditory damage in marine animals. This can make it difficult for animals to hear their prey, avoid predators, or navigate their environment. 

Changes in behavior and stress

Underwater noise can also cause changes in behavior and stress in marine animals. Animals may become more aggressive, less active, or avoid areas where the noise is loud. This can lead to problems with reproduction, feeding, and overall health.

Communication Problems

Many marine animals, such as whales and dolphins, use sound to communicate with each other. Underwater noise can interfere with this communication, making it difficult for animals to find mates, stay in touch with their pod, or warn each other of danger. 

Trouble to navigate and find food

Underwater noise can also interfere with the ability of marine animals to navigate and find food. This is because many animals use sound to echolocate, or bounce sound waves off objects to create a mental map of their surroundings. When the noise is too loud, it can make it difficult for animals to echolocate, which can lead them to become lost or starve. 

Traumas resulting in death

Intense underwater noise can lead to temporary or permanent degradation of auditory capacities in marine mammals, disrupting essential behaviors such as communication and orientation. In the most severe cases, extreme sound exposure may result in fatal consequences for the individuals affected.