UBC researchers tackling noise pollution in oceans to protect marine mammals
Researchers at the University of British Columbia are diving into a noisy issue in our oceans that’s impacting whales and other marine mammals.
Rajeev Jaiman, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, said underwater noise pollution in the ocean has increased along with shipping traffic.
“In the last 20, 30 years, the amount of noise has increased about 20 decibels, which is a lot,” Jaiman said.
He said the Port of Vancouver sees up to 4,000 vessels every year. They bring with them noisy propellers.
“Propeller noise can hit 170 decibels, the equivalent of a jet engine or a rocket lift-off,” he said.
This can disrupt marine life with a 100-kilometre radius.
Andrew Trites, a professor at UBC and director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit, said the noise affects all marine mammals, but that “some are more sensitive than others.”
“Here in B.C., probably our most sensitive species would be our killer whales and humpback whales,” he said.
According to researchers, chronic noise can lead to stress, hearing loss and feeding problems for marine mammals including whales, dolphins and porpoises.
“I think it comes as a real shock when we hear just how noisy the ocean has become,” said Trite.
“So for example, in B.C., probably the biggest source of noise we have is from BC Ferries.”
Jaiman calls it “a very complex problem.”
The movement of ships and propellers’ rotation create steam bubbles that implode and result in a popping effect.
UBC engineers, supported by federal funding, are looking at ways to dampen noise from propellers by minimizing turbulence. One solution may be to inject a jet of fluid to help control propeller movement.
“We’re looking at engineering design and we improve the design of these propellers and vessels and come up with a solution to reduce the noise,” Jaiman said.
Supported through federal funding, researchers are also developing artificial intelligence that will alert ship operators to marine mammals so they can adjust their location.
Trites says mammals have found ways to compensate for the increased noise.
“That seems to be the way in which marine animals are adapting, to have to call louder and be closer together, but that comes at a cost to their ability to find food and to do normal things,” he said.
It’s hoped new research will find ways to reduce the underwater pollution in the oceans.
“Efficient AI-based predictions together with novel flow control devices and structural modifications can help us to tackle ship noise pollution while reducing carbon emissions,” said Jaiman.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks beat Oilers 5-4 in comeback to take Game 1
The Vancouver Canucks won the first game of their NHL playoffs series with the Edmonton Oilers 5-4 on Wednesday night coming back from a three-goal deficit.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.