Tag: underwater noise

Last month, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority-led Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program celebrated its five years of collaboration and research to better understand the effects of marine shipping on at-risk whales.

Underwater noise from ships is putting mussels in a state of stress, impacting their breathing and eating habits, according to a new study. Namely, research from marine scientists at Edinburgh Napier University and Heriot-Watt University indicates that mussels can perceive the noise of ships all too well, which is having a significant effect on their physiology. 

Kongsberg Maritime has successfully adapted a propeller concept used in naval applications, aiming to provide operational and environmental benefits to commercial shipping customers. By deploying such a technology can significantly reduce cavitation-induced noise and erosion risk.

The Port of Vancouver reminds the shipping industry that as of June 1 the commercial shipping sector is alerted to begin voluntarily slowing their ships southern resident killer whales return to Haro Strait and Boundary Pass to feed for the summer. 

Underwater sound created by dredging equipment below the water surface can impact marine life and requires careful evaluation and monitoring, according to the International Association of Dredging Companies. Sound levels must be evaluated in relation to their possible effect on the specific marine fauna. The aim of evaluating underwater sound is to ensure a balance between the environmental impacts and socio-economic benefits of the dredging project.

RINA, the Italian Classification Society, focused on the matter of noise coming from vessels, as the majority of noise is emitted underwater, thus the public is unaware of the problem. Yet, marine noise results to the interference of animal's ability to hear, having a huge impact the reproduction and survival of animals.

UK unveiled the first UK-wide map of underwater noise made by ships. Researchers from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in Suffolk used data captured from microphones placed on the seabed to identify "hotspots".

In 2017, a small group of pioneering ports created an inventory ship-generated noise in berth, at anchor and manoeuvring to get in berth or leaving the berth. The project NEPTUNES - Noise Exploration Program To Understand Noise Emitted by Seagoing Ships -  aims to mitigate the noise pollution from seagoing vessels.

Oceans, seas and coastal areas cover the vast majority of our planet’s surface, as two-thirds of the planet is water. Oceans are a life-giving force considering the fact that our drinking water, weather, climate, food, and oxygen, are driven by the sea. For this reason, it is of vital importance to protect the seas through enhanced ocean conservation and sustainable practices.

A recent report by OceanCare, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Seas at Risk and Natural Resources Defense Council, found that the EU could fail to protect marine wildlife from the impacts of intense underwater noise levels by 2020, despite a requirement to do so under EU marine law. The report raises concerns that despite evidence that noise sources are damaging marine species, some governments continue to call for further research instead of taking action.