Acoustic shock: how noise pollution disrupts ocean life

Sound is central to life underwater. The list of marine creatures that are known to rely on sound for navigation, communication and much more is growing, as is the awareness of the complex ways in which they use it. But as humanity has extended its footprint into the seas, it has done so noisily. The soundscape of the ocean has been thrown out of balance and researchers are now developing new technologies—from bubble screens to “acoustic black holes”—to protect marine life from the excessive noise. Host: Alok Jha, The Economist’s science and technology editor. Contributors: Moira Donovan, a journalist who writes for The Economist; Amorina Kingdon, science writer and author of “Sing Like Fish”, and Tom Smith of University College London. Special thanks to John Hildebrand of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This episode features audio from Sea Search. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.