What impacts to humans have on whales?
The actions of human beings impact greatly on the lives of cetaceans. Overfishing in certain areas means that fish are being taken at a faster rate than they can reproduce to maintain their numbers. This creates a significant problem for cetaceans, as a decrease in fish numbers means a decrease in their food levels. As competition increases between commercial fishing companies, the problem becomes more severe and it is the cetaceans that suffer. An increase in human activities that involve the sea is also having a significant impact on the lives of cetaceans. The ocean is already a fairly loud place when the low frequency sounds of mammals, invertebrates and fish combine with natural noises such as volcanic eruptions, storms and heavy rains. When further combined with the actions of humans such as coastal development, dredging, heavy shipping and container ships, low flying aeroplanes, seismic testing for oil and gas, the use of speed boats, jetskis and many others, the noise pollution
