The Science of Sound: Why It Matters

Sound for Conservation

Sound is more than just noise—it’s an essential part of life. Many species rely on sound to communicate, navigate, find food, and avoid danger. Studying these natural soundscapes allows researchers to:

Measure Ecosystem Health – Changes in soundscapes can indicate shifts in biodiversity, habitat loss, and the effects of climate change.

Understand Human Impact – Industrial noise, urban sprawl, highways, and shipping lanes are making the world an increasingly loud and hostile place for wildlife. Research helps reveal these impacts and identify ways to mitigate them.

Detect Rare & Elusive Species – Many animals are difficult to observe directly, but their calls and vocalizations provide clues to their presence and behavior.

Preserve Natural Soundscapes for Future Generations – People have an instinctive connection to nature’s sounds. But as noise pollution grows, we risk losing these experiences forever.

Tackling the Rising Threat of Noise Pollution

Human-generated noise is one of the most overlooked environmental threats today.

On Land: Urban expansion, highways, and outdoor recreation are fragmenting natural soundscapes, making it harder for wildlife to communicate, find mates, and avoid predators.

In the Ocean: Industrial shipping, energy development, and deep-sea mining have made marine environments exponentially louder, disrupting whales, dolphins, and other aquatic species that depend on sound to survive.

Without action, noise pollution could have long-term consequences for biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and even human well-being.

By funding research, Opsanus Fund helps scientists measure these changes and identify solutions that protect natural environments.