Sonic Sea (2016)

Sonic Sea Poster

The devastating impact of industrial and military ocean noise on whales and other marine life.

Introduction

"Sonic Sea", a documentary launched in 2016, highlights the significant damage that undersea sound pollution, often from commercial and military sources, causes to marine life. This powerful and thought-provoking movie showcases the effect of sound on sea inhabitants, such as whales, dolphins, and various marine species who depend on noise to communicate, navigate, and discover food.

Scope of the Problem
"Sonic Sea" lays out how human-caused acoustic pollution significantly affects the marine environment. It describes that the oceans, when a sonic symphony of animal vocalizations, are now dominated by the sound of shipping traffic, military sonar, and seismic expedition for oil and gas resources. The film highlights that for aquatic animals, especially ones who count on echolocation for survival, this is a devastating issue.

Results on Marine Life
The documentary unwinds the damaging impacts of these loud sounds on marine life which include stress-induced diseases, mass stranding of marine animals, and behavioral modifications. It accentuates occurrences such as the mass stranding of whales following high-intensity sonar exercises by navies, a striking proof of the damage sound pollution can cause. It likewise creates awareness about persistent noise causing the loss of biodiversity in the ocean.

Key Narratives
"Sonic Sea" follows several dedicated scientists, environmental advocates, navigators, and affected sea creatures in their mission to accentuate the concern. Notable stories consist of Dr. Christopher Clark, a bioacoustics professional who provides captivating insights about the marine acoustic environment, and Ken Balcomb, a previous Navy officer turned whale scientist, who reveals the link between military finder and whale beachings.

Require Action
The film calls for actionable change. It argues for the advancement of quieter ship styles, cautious spatial preparation, and stricter guidelines to limit extensive acoustic activities. It advises audiences to hold governments and industries responsible for their contributions to underwater sound pollution, underlining the urgency of the scenario, and promoting for limiting ocean sound before it's too late.

Summary
"Sonic Sea" intricately checks out the problem of ocean sound pollution, presenting a poignant and compelling case for its mitigation. The movie stresses the immediate need for human intervention to safeguard the sonic world of the sea animals. It bridges the space in between clinical research and public awareness, hoping to motivate audiences to worth and safeguard the delicate balance of life in the world's oceans.

Top Cast

  • Rachel McAdams (small)
    Rachel McAdams
    Narrator (voice)
  • Sting (small)
    Sting
    Self
  • Kenneth C. Balcomb, III
    Self
  • Sylvia Earle (small)
    Sylvia Earle
    Self
  • Dr. Christopher W. Clark
    Self
  • Michael Jasny
    Self
  • Leila Hatch
    Self
  • Paul Spong
    Self
  • Molly Patterson
    Self
  • Brandon Southall
    Self
  • Katie Moore
    Self