Minimax-Based Assessment of Anthropogenic Underwater Noise and Its Behavioral Impacts on Marine Fauna: A Scientometric Analysis

Abstract

Anthropogenic underwater noise, mainly from maritime traffic like shipping, is increasingly altering the ocean’s acoustic environment, disrupting essential behaviors in marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates. This chronic noise pollution causes physiological stress, behavioral changes, habitat avoidance, and threatens marine populations and ecosystem resilience globally. Despite acknowledged impacts, knowledge gaps persist regarding cumulative and interactive effects of noise with other stressors (e.g., pollution, climate change), and varying regional and species sensitivities complicate risk assessments and mitigation. This study systematically reviews scientific research from 2001 to mid-2025 on maritime noise pollution’s behavioral and physiological effects on marine fauna through global scientometric analysis of peer-reviewed literature. It identifies research trends, thematic focus, geographic distribution, technological advances, and gaps to guide future conservation and policy efforts. Findings show a recent surge in publications, with two main thematic clusters: broad animal noise pollution studies (including terrestrial) and focused marine mammal behavioral research. Research is concentrated in developed maritime nations like the USA, UK, Canada, and China, while biodiversity hotspots are underrepresented. Innovations such as passive acoustic monitoring and machine learning improve impact detection. Studies reveal species-specific responses, from stress in marine mammals to physiological harm in oysters. Proposed policies emphasize coordinated multi-level governance but face implementation challenges. Continued global collaboration, technology sharing, and integrated strategies are critical to effectively mitigate underwater noise pollution and protect marine biodiversity.