Australia Battle Against Underwater Noise: Many Australians don’t like the loud sounds Woodside Energy makes underwater. They worry these sounds could hurt whales that travel far. People want to stop Woodside from getting fossil fuels from the sea. They care about the environment and Indigenous rights. Australia wants to be more eco-friendly, but this project keeps going.
Raelene Cooper tried to stop them, but time was running out, and Woodside wanted to make noise again. They claim it aids in underwater gas detection. But these sounds can be louder than whale sounds. Whales rely on their ears for various activities, such as locating food and socializing with other whales. Loud sounds can cause trouble for them.
Environmentalists argue that Australia should reduce its reliance on fossil fuels rather than increase it. Fossil fuels harm the planet. Woodside wants to utilize water for gas extraction. It’s not as bad for the earth as coal, but it’s still not good. They claim this project can emit significant amounts of methane, another harmful gas.
Australian officials approved Woodside’s loud sea noises without consulting all affected Indigenous communities or allowing sufficient time for their input. Woodside claims innocence.
They want to make loud noises due to the presence of many turtles, sharks, and whales. Some pygmy blue whales are on the threatened species list, risking extinction. Whales in water where Woodside wants noise, loud noises can harm them.
Also, you should know something. Indigenous people have a solid connection to these places. There are essential old stories and works of art. People worry about the project’s noise and smoke harming these places.
Some doubt Woodside’s claim that the damage is not permanent. They believe it’s not worth risking whales, climate, and Indigenous culture
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is the loudest sound ever underwater?
In the 90s, a strange underwater sound was captured and dubbed “The Bloop.” After years of speculation, NOAA scientists finally uncovered the source of the enigmatic noise – an iceberg breaking away from an Antarctic glacier. This discovery was made possible by a NASA Landsat mosaic image of Antarctica.
What is the ocean noise and marine life?
Sound is crucial for marine species when it comes to important activities such as breeding, foraging, maintaining social structure, and avoiding predators. Cetaceans, which include whales, dolphins, and porpoises, rely on intricate sounds to communicate with each other, navigate the water, and locate food. These complex sounds play a vital role in their survival and overall well-being.