When we think about threats to whales, seals and walrus in the Arctic, we don’t immediately think of underwater noise pollution. More likely, our minds go to visions of melting ice caused by the region’s biggest threat: the climate crisis. Sea ice is an essential habitat for many Arctic species. It is also necessary for shaping the underwater soundscape that marine animals use to navigate, find food and mates, and avoid danger.

There is growing evidence that one of the world’s quietest oceans, full of natural sounds, is increasingly being polluted with human-made noise from ships, construction, oil and gas exploration and other activities. This growing racket threatens Arctic marine ecosystems’ balance and the cultures and livelihoods of Arctic Indigenous and coastal communities, who depend on a healthy ocean.

To convey the urgent need for action by Arctic countries, WWF asked our supporters in 2019 to sign a petition, which we then presented to the Arctic Council at their Ministerial Meeting. Together with subsequent work at the Arctic Council, the petition has raised the profile and priority of this important issue. In the past two years, there has been substantial progress in understanding the scope of the problem and the unique nature of underwater noise in the Arctic.

Credits
Duncan Patterson/Sean Richardson, art directors
Linetest/World Wildlife Fund, writers
Melissa Cho/Kelly Nakamura/Sophia Ouellette/Sean Richardson, design/illustrators
Hao Chen, creative director
Linetest, director/production company
Henrique Barone/Scott Jonsson/Duncan Patterson/Jose Pena/Florian Perron/Christian Rubio, animators
Ambrose Yu, sound designer/music composer
Tantoo Cardinal, voice talent
Zoe Coleman, producer
Fanni Barosci/Leanne Clare/Melanie Lancaster/Kate Landry, World Wildlife Fund Arctic Programme, clients