December 5, 2008
HSI Scientist Discusses Perils of Noise for Marine Mammals
At the 2008 Workboat Trade Show in New Orleans today, Humane Society International Senior Scientist Naomi Rose, Ph.D., participated in a panel discussion about noise from the shipping industry harming marine mammals.
The trade show is typically attended by shipping industry representatives. The panel members, including representatives from non-profit groups, representatives from the U.S. government and shipping engineers, are hoping to engage constructively with the shipping industry to address noise pollution ahead of regulation.
Rose specifically discussed the laws that mandate protection against harm to marine life, and how the industry can get ahead of the curve and build a reputation as a socially responsible industry by doing the right thing.
Noise in the marine environment can have an adverse impact on marine mammals, who use sound to communicate and have done so for millions of years. They use this sound to navigate, find mates and avoid predators. "Human-caused noise can interfere with communication and detection of predators. It's pollution and needs to be controlled," Rose said.
To read Rose's presentation, please click here. To watch and hear the panel discussion, click here.
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Humane Society International is the international arm of The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at hsi.org.