‘It’s nonstop’: how noise pollution threatens the return of Norway’s whales

Recordings by biologist Heike Vester reveal how oil and gas exploration as well as cruises, fishing boats and even whale-watchers are adding to the din underwater

From the moment that the biologist Dr Heike Vester presses play, the sound of the static of the fjord fills the room. First comes the constant, steady rumbling of a boat engine. Then, every eight seconds, like a foreboding bass drum, comes the explosion of seismic airguns – extremely loud blasts used in oil and gas exploration that can travel vast distances underwater.

And finally, dancing above it all – and at times drowned out by it – are the soaring vocalisations of whales.

Heike Vester at home in Bodø, Norway. Her love of whales comes partly from her interest in matrilineal societies. Photograph: Marthe Mølstre/The Guardian

Topics

Vietnam pushes electric motorbikes as pollution becomes 'unbearable'

Yahoo News - 5h
Scientists dissect ‘world’s rarest whale’ for clues on little-known species

Only seven spade-tooth whales have ever been documented, now work is beginning on a specimen that washed ashore in New Zealand in July. A spade-tooth whale – thought to be the world’s rarest whale ...
The Guardian - 1d
Norway sends F-35s, 100 soldiers to guard Polish airport near Ukraine

Yahoo News - 1d
Trump will take ‘nonstop’ action in first 100 days in office, top adviser says – live

Jason Miller says that Trump will take aggressive action on immigration and oil and gas drilling early into his second term. Notre Dame Cathedral will reopen in Paris on Saturday with incoming US ...
The Guardian - 11h
Why is Trump threatening a 100% tariff on the BRICS nations?

Donald Trump said the U.S. would hit Brazil, Russia and six other countries with a crushing tariff if they sought to challenge the dollar.
CBS News - 1d
Renewed fighting threatens fragile Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

Despite the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, the back-and-forth violence doesn't appear to be going away. Both sides say the other is violating the deal. Matthew Levitt, a Middle ...
CBS News - 1d
Who are the rebels threatening Assad's grip on Syria?

The long-running civil war has unexpectedly sprung back into the spotlight
BBC News - 22h
Biden’s pardon of son Hunter threatens to tarnish legacy

President Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter in his final full month in the White House is threatening to erode his legacy as he prepares to leave office. Biden is set to conclude his one ...
The Hill - 21h
Israel says it will hold Lebanon responsible if ceasefire collapses

Minister’s vow to ‘go deeper’ if hostilities resume comes after deadly Israeli air strikes severely test truce
Financial Times - 14h