Conducted by PIT
, Started on 2026 -
Completed on 2026
Completed
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Background: Maritime noise pollution from vessels has increased significantly over recent decades, profoundly altering
marine soundscapes and disrupting the behavior of diverse marine fauna. This anthropogenic noise, mainly from shipping,
threatens marine ecosystems by interfering with communication, foraging, navigation, and predator avoidance, yet
comprehensive assessments remain limited.
Methods: This study used global scientometric analysis to trace research trends on maritime noise pollution and behavioral
disruption from 2001 to July 2025. Bibliometric techniques analyzed publications, citations, and keywords to identify
dominant themes, emerging topics, and knowledge gaps. Findings synthesized behavioral impacts across marine taxa and
evaluated mitigation strategies and international policies.
Results: Research output increased substantially, especially after the 2008 European Marine Strategy Framework Directive
(MSFD) and the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) noise guidelines. Dominant themes include shipping noise as
the primary source, behavioral and physiological impacts on marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates, and advances in noise
monitoring and mitigation technologies. Emerging topics include climate change effects on sound propagation, impacts on
non-mammalian species, and the COVID-19 pandemic’s noise reduction experiment. Behavioral studies document
communication masking, altered vocalizations, habitat displacement, and stress responses. Mitigation efforts like vessel
speed reduction and route adjustments show promise but face compliance challenges.
Conclusion: Maritime noise pollution research has evolved into a multidisciplinary field addressing ecological, technological,
and policy dimensions. Despite progress, gaps remain in understanding long-term population effects and integrating noise
management into global conservation. Continued international collaboration, standardized monitoring, and targeted
research are essential to protect marine biodiversity from acoustic disturbances