Anthropogenic noise in the ocean represents a growing concern since its effects, although not immediately visible, can be devastating.  In addition to the noise produced by maritime traffic and other activities carried out in coastal areas, the oil industry is an important source of concern due to its use of seismic exploration. This method basically shoots discharges of compressed air which sound bounce off the ocean floor, allowing researchers  to define the type of material forming the sea bed.  However it is not just the oil industry that uses seismic surveys.  Oceanography and geophysics occasionally use this technique to obtain details regarding the structure of the ocean floor.

Marine life is susceptible to the effects of ocean noise.  Marine mammals are considered to be the most sensitive of these organisms, since they depend on their hearing to feed themselves, communicate, and recognize their surroundings.  The effects caused by noise in the ocean include temporary or permanent loss of their auditory system, a potential risk to the survival of different species.

The mitigation measures used in these cases consist of delaying, reducing or completely ending the discharges of compressed air if a marine mammal (or other protected species) is observed within a defined safety perimeter. 

Anthropogenic noise in the ocean environment increases every day, and promises to become a major environmental problem.  Discussions on how to minimize the negative effects of noise on whales, dolphins and other marine animals will doubtless continue.  The marine seismic exploration industry, government agencies, the military, environmental and academic organizations are now deeply involved in the process of developing better protection measures for the ocean habitat from the effects of anthropogenic noise.  However, the actual implementation of those measures in the field are the responsibility of the MMO.