The Arctic

Sounds of exploring and drilling for oil and gas impact Arctic wildlife

Most marine species in the Arctic depend on sound to survive. Sound is so important to them because their vision is limited in the darkness of the deep sea. Sound that is anywhere from a few feet to a few thousand miles away helps them find food and mates, communicate with each other and avoid danger.

© Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon

That’s why unnatural noises in the sea are a serious threat to marine species. The noises associated with oil and gas exploration and drilling are particularly harmful to wildlife in the Arctic Ocean – polar bears, endangered whales, walruses, seals, sea birds and other species.  One of the main culprits is seismic air gun surveys. A seismic air gun is a mechanism that creates an explosive impulse down through the water and into the seafloor to help search for oil deposits. The noise can lead to permanent hearing loss and even death.

The chance of noise pollution having a negative impact on the Arctic’s wildlife is higher now than ever before. With high gas prices and instability in Africa and the Middle East, pressure to open up the Arctic to offshore drilling is intense. This is evident in Shell Oil’s proposal for offshore drilling in the Arctic (specifically, Alaska’s Beaufort and Chukchi seas) in 2012 and 2013. It is the most aggressive plan ever presented for this region: six wells in 2012 and six more in 2013. Other companies are finalizing plans to explore the Arctic Ocean with explosive seismic testing equipment as soon as this summer.

How you can help

Learn more about underwater noise pollution

Additional resources

• View photos and video of Arctic polar bears impacted by oil and gas drilling
• Other threats to the Arctic
• WWF’s efforts to protect Arctic wildlife