New campaign raises awareness about noise pollution in the North Sea
The federal government has launched a campaign to make people aware of the growing underwater noise pollution in the North Sea. Certain human activities, such as shipping and wind farm construction, make a lot of noise and disrupt the communication between animals. This can lead to injuries or even death for some species.
According to government agencies, underwater noise caused by human activities has increased significantly over the past decades. Those activities include shipping, wind farm construction, geophysical surveys, clearing of explosives and sand extraction.
The North Sea is one of the busiest seas in the world, with noise spreading underwater over long distances. Noise pollution impacts marine animals because they often use sound to communicate. Noise also causes animals to change their habits, which affects their chances of survival. Noise pollution can lead to injuries or even death for some species.
Possible solutions include: better, efficient ship infrastructure, such as quieter propellers, keeping propellers clean and balanced and switching to electric propulsion. These measures should also help reduce air pollution. Lower sailing speeds, dampening noise around works on wind turbine poles, warning animals before works or surveys and a stricter regulatory framework are also possible solutions.
The campaign came about with support from the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) and is part of wider European and international initiatives. More information can be found at www.underwaternoise.be
Offshore wind farm © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK / VIDEO © FPS Health
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