WASHINGTON (AP) — Not only are humans changing the surface and temperature of the planet, but also its sounds – and those shifts are detectable even in the open ocean. Changes in the volume and variety of underwater noises affect wide swaths of marine life – from tiny snapping shrimp to huge right whales. Increased noise from shipping traffic, underwater oil and gas exploration and offshore construction is making it harder for fish to hear each other and find suitable locations to feed and breed. The research was reported Thursday in the journal Science.
