IPB University Professor Warns of the Dangers of Sound Horeg to Marine Ecosystems
The Professor of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science at IPB University, Prof Dietriech G Bengen, stated that the impact of “sound horeg” in the open sea could threaten marine ecosystems. This statement was made when he was asked for his response regarding the effects of noise pollution on marine life.
He mentioned that loud noises in the sea, including those from sound horeg, sonar, ship traffic, and industrial activities, have been proven to seriously damage marine ecosystems.
According to Prof Dietriech, underwater noise not only directly disrupts the behavior of marine animals but also has long-term effects on reproduction, migration, communication, and the physiological health of various marine species.
“Loud sounds like sound horeg can confuse fish, cause stress, and even lead to reproductive failure,” he said.
Fish and fish larvae are said to be particularly vulnerable to loud noises. This disruption includes hormonal stress, larval deformities, and spawning failures due to disrupted communication.
Marine mammals such as whales and dolphins are also affected. “They rely on echolocation for navigation. Noise can cause them to become disoriented and even experience acoustic trauma,” he explained.
Not only moving animals but also coral reefs and invertebrates suffer damage from underwater explosions and intense sound waves. Loud noises disrupt the metamorphosis process of coral larvae and sever the natural “soundscape” that larvae use to settle.
“Scientific research supports these findings. A study by Jepson et al. (2003) showed that military sonar causes whales to strand due to internal organ bleeding. Meanwhile, other studies by Simpson et al. (2015) and Radford et al. (2007) demonstrated changes in fish behavior and disruptions in larval recruitment due to noise,” he elaborated.
Prof Dietriech also highlighted the impact of noise on the fishing sector. Loud sounds cause fish such as tuna and grouper to move away from traditional fishing areas, increasing operational costs for fishermen. Disruptions to the spawning of aquaculture fish like clams and oysters can also reduce productivity.
For this reason, he urged that cross-sector collaboration should be pursued, involving environmental NGOs, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, local and coastal village governments, diving and marine tourism communities, as well as universities through Thematic Real World Lecture (KKN)
“There is a need for public and fishermen education regarding the dangers of marine noise pollution. There should be socialization, technical training, and the implementation of quiet zones in the sea. Community education must be locally based and sustainable,” he emphasized.
Public campaigns such as “The Sea Needs Silence to Survive” and the establishment of sensitive acoustic zones in marine habitats are important steps in protecting the health of marine ecosystems from noise threats (dh) (IAAS/KMR)
