Ocean Acoustic Integrity: From Biology to Law

The text critically examines the ocean as a space defined by sound, not just image. The authors challenge Western epistemological prejudices that relegate underwater life to the "silent" realm. The article combines a biological perspective—explaining the mechanisms of energy transduction, echolocation, and social communication in mammals—with the ecology of the soundscape. It highlights key threats stemming from anthrophony, or human-generated noise that disrupts the natural biophony of the ocean. The overall text serves as a call for a paradigm shift in environmental protection, where protecting the acoustic integrity of water becomes the foundation for preserving biodiversity and legally protecting marine ecosystems from degradation resulting from uncontrolled industrial activity.