Listening to a Quieter Ocean in the Pandemic

Explore a unique scientific investigation into the effects of reduced ocean noise during the COVID-19 pandemic on marine life in this AGU Fall Meeting 2020 press briefing. Discover how researchers utilized existing underwater listening devices to study the impact of decreased shipping, fishing, tourism, and ocean development on marine mammals and other sea creatures. Learn about preliminary findings, acoustic pollution, and the concept of acoustic habitat. Hear actual audio recordings of marine mammals communicating in a quieter ocean environment. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by this unprecedented situation, including the establishment of new baselines for ocean noise levels. Understand the potential long-term implications for marine conservation and the importance of balancing human activities with the health of ocean ecosystems.

Introduction
Jason Gadke
Chris Gabriel
Bob Ziack
Anna Shirovich
Leah Hatch
Questions
Craig Miller KQED
Harvey Lifert freelancer
Hydrophones
Gulf of Mexico
Seismic Sounds
Preliminary Data
Acoustic Pollution
Acoustic Habitat
Boat Traffic
Whale Communication
Noise Reduction
Open Questions
Commercial Vessel Traffic
Increased Ocean Noise
Positive Impacts
Baselines
Challenges
US Navy