Anthropogenic sound is created in the ocean both purposefully and unintentionally. The result is noise
pollution that is high-intensity and acute, as well as lower-level and chronic. The locations of noise
pollution are along well-traveled paths in the sea and particularly encompass coastal and continental shelf
waters. Increased use of the sea for commercial shipping, geophysical exploration, and advanced warfare
has resulted in a higher level of noise pollution over the past few decades. Informed estimates suggest that
noise levels are at least 10 times higher today than they were a few decades ago.