Event 2: Noise Aquarium 5/14/19


The Noise Aquarium Event was by far my favorite event this quarter. The topic being introduced was something I was entirely unaware of and something that everyone in society should know. While it may seem so small of an issue, it is something that is actually quite large and affects the ocean and these particular plankton species quite a lot.

While the ocean seems like just a large blue interface, there are vast amounts of diverse organisms living at the bottom of the ocean, which are being affected from our waste that ends up in the water and noise pollution. Noise pollution is the sounds made by human activities and machinery that interfere with animals ability to hear natural sounds in the ocean. Unfortunately, noise also travels far underwater. For example, sounds such as fracking, boats, sonar noises, and more not only are detrimental for the several species of plankton, but also for animals such as dolphins and whales. 



I believe that it is hard for us, as humans, to understand the impact of sound since these specific sounds do not directly affect us. Noise pollution is something that is painful for animals, and not many people are aware of this issue. Professor Vesna stated in her handout that "almost nothing is known about the possible impact on the marvelous microscopic organisms...and with the entanglement of microplastics, the ecological balance is further compromised." 



During this event, the Noise Aquarium utilizes3D-scans of the microscopic creatures along with the "unique scientific imaging techniques and immerses the audience in the 3D aquarium of diverse planktons projected as large as whales." By standing on the platform (as shown above), we were able to interact with either Tomophteridae, Cyanobacteria, Oikopleura, Amoeba Proteus, Paramecium, and Actinotroch Larvae, and see how sound affected the organisms, resulting in either saving it or killing it. When I stood on the platform, I luckily ended up saving a Paramecium!

I highly recommend this event, it was super fun and interesting and I learned so much just in 40 short minutes! It is also a topic that seems so small but is actually quite a large issue that affects several animals and the ocean itself.





















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