The Changing Ocean Soundtrack: A World Oceans Day Reflection

The ocean soundtrack of our imagination is a largely silent one, interrupted only by the vocalisations of migrating whales or playful dolphins.

Human activity, however, has progressively altered this soundscape. Examples include seismic surveys that produce high-energy, low-frequency, short-duration sounds aimed at detecting the presence of petroleum and gas deposits below the seafloor. These sensing techniques are, at times, a major component of present ocean soundscapes in many areas. 

Further anthrophony comes as an unintended by-product of shipping. Increased shipping has contributed to an estimated 32-fold growth in the low-frequency noise present along major shipping routes.

Evidence shows that these anthropogenic noises can interfere with natural auditory signal processing by marine animals, an effect termed 'masking' which reduces their communication space. Indeed, anthropogenic noise overlaps with the frequency band of hearing of certain species masking signals or environmental cues indicating the presence of prey or predators. This may result in loss of social cohesion, missed opportunities for feeding, or failure to avoid a predator. 

Recent research proves that climate change and human activity are disrupting marine ecosystems, contributing to the destruction of an already fragile underwater landscape.

As the Field Operations Manager for Oceans Without Borders in Mozambique, working to foster healthy, nearly silent oceans has been my life mission since I was a young boy.    

Dedicated to community-led development and conservation of Africa's natural environments, my day-to-day involves extensive marine research, baseline monitoring and local engagement. We work to establish or enlarge Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and seek higher conservation status for the coastline, aiming to make a difference in marine habitat protection.

Our work starts with communities, but it has a global impact. Last year, world leaders made a global commitment to protect 30% of our blue planet by 2030 (30x30). 

Marine scientists and conservation charities argue that by creating a global network of marine protected areas, we can effectively preserve the health of the world's oceans and mitigate the effects of climate change. 

As we celebrate World Oceans Day, this promise needs to be at the forefront of international agendas rather than just an afterthought. It must be equally and holistically considered alongside terrestrial environments within international agreements that give priority to biodiversity and climate issues.

According to the Marine Conservation Institute, a mere 8.2% of the world's ocean is safeguarded by some form of marine protection, with only 2.9% actually being considered 'fully' or 'highly' protected. 

Covering over 70% of our planet's surface, the ocean is not only a vital resource but the very essence of life, sustaining humanity as well as all living organisms on Earth. What is more, oceans produce at least 50% of the planet's oxygen and serve as the primary source of protein for over a billion people worldwide. 

Despite these benefits, a fraction of big fish populations remain unexploited or unharmed and over half of the Earth's coral reefs have already been destroyed. 

Since our establishment, our projects have expanded to care for marine hotspots that run alongside Africa's eastern coastline from Mnemba Island, Zanzibar in the north, through Mozambique and almost to South Africa in the south.

We positively impact 75 communities and directly conserve our primary footprint of 1 million acres. Our 2030 vision is to scale our impact through partnerships to support the conservation of an associated 40 million acres of key biospheres and to double our 2020 impact investment, while offering discerning travellers a rare and exclusive experience of the world as it should be.

Collaboration and community-led initiatives with local island and coastal communities have proven indispensable for the success of our projects. 

As an example, our fisheries and food security programme works to build resilience, productivity and sustainability of small-scale fisheries on our island sites by cooperating with Universidad Lurio in Mozambique. The development of a Marine Community and Conservation Ranger project, whereby men and women from local communities are recruited, trained and employed, additionally aims to establish education courses in schools to raise marine conservation awareness. 

Initiatives such as the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, empowered by our conservation partner Tusk, connect us with other rangers across Africa encouraging conversations and bringing attention to potentially unexplored areas of conservation.

As society places a growing emphasis on the 'blue economy' due to its resources and economic potential, taking a holistic and collaborative approach to find solutions for the sustainable use of the ocean is critical. 

Issues such as anthropogenic noise cannot be neglected and must not be rendered the 'elephant in the room' of global ocean change. 

The path that lies ahead is riven with crests and troughs - but collectively ocean conservation in all its forms should remain a priority in international agendas, to successfully fulfil our 30x30 vision and ensure the future prosperity of marine ecosystems.