From NCERTAsked by Anonymous from Chicago, United States23 Oct 2026, 5:29 PM ISTUpdated
In one line
We can reduce noise pollution in the sea by making less noise with ships and machines, and protecting sea animals from loud sounds.
Whale — Informal group of large marine mammals Whales use sound to communicate. Underwater noise pollution can confuse or harm them. Image: Wikipedia
The rule
Noise pollution is the presence of loud or unpleasant sounds in the environment that can harm human health and wildlife. (CBSE)
Let's understand it simply
Imagine you are trying to study, but someone is playing loud music next door. You feel disturbed and cannot focus. Sea animals, like dolphins and whales, feel the same way when there are loud noises underwater. Ships, oil drilling, and underwater blasts make the sea very noisy. This noise can confuse, scare, or even hurt sea animals.
How it works
Ships, submarines, and machines make loud sounds underwater.
These sounds travel far in water, much more than in air.
Sea animals use sound to talk, find food, and travel.
Loud human-made noises disturb or harm these animals.
By reducing these noises, we help sea animals live safely.
How to reduce noise pollution in the sea
Use quieter ship engines
Avoid loud underwater blasts
Plan ship routes away from animal habitats
Use sound barriers during construction
Limit sonar use near sea animals
The story behind it
Scientists noticed that whales and dolphins were getting lost or stranded on beaches. They found that loud underwater noises from ships and machines were confusing these animals. This led to more research and rules to protect sea life from noise pollution.
Where you see it in real life
Big ships in the sea → Their engines and propellers make loud, constant noise → This noise travels far and disturbs sea animals.
Oil drilling in the ocean → Drilling machines and explosions make sudden, loud sounds → These can scare or injure fish and whales.
Underwater construction (like building bridges) → Machines hammering underwater → The noise spreads and affects sea creatures.
Sonar used by submarines → Sends out strong sound waves → Can confuse or harm animals like whales.
Why it matters
Many sea animals depend on sound to find food, talk, and travel. Too much noise can make them lost or hungry.
Noise pollution can cause whales and dolphins to get stranded on beaches.
Fish may leave noisy areas, which affects fishing jobs.
Healthy oceans are important for the planet and for people who depend on the sea.
Common mistakes
Thinking noise pollution only happens on land. (It happens in water too!)
Believing sea animals do not get affected by noise. (They do, often more than humans.)
Ignoring small noises. (Even small, constant noises can disturb sea life over time.)
Remember it
Less noise in the sea means safer homes for sea animals.
Check yourself
Why do sea animals get confused by underwater noise?
Because they use sound to find their way and talk, and loud noises disturb them.
Name one way to reduce noise pollution in the sea.
Use quieter ship engines or avoid loud underwater blasts.
What is a common mistake people make about noise pollution?
They think it only happens on land, but it also happens underwater.
Quick recap
Noise pollution in the sea harms sea animals.
Ships, drilling, and sonar are main sources of underwater noise.
