Tag: underwater noise

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.

The Standard Club focused on the matter of 'anthropogenic sound', meaning the noise pollution that prevents ocean wildlife organisms from communicating with one another, perceiving prey or finding potential mates.

Finnish technology group Wärtsilä’s EnergoProFin, an energy saving propeller cap, which delivers average fuel savings of 2%, has been listed in the 2019 Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s EcoAction Program. The Program provides harbour dues discounts for vessels calling on the Port of Vancouver that meet environmental best practices.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has expanded its industry-leading EcoAction Program, encouraging vessels that call on the Port of Vancouver to quiet the waters for the endangered whale population along the southern coast of British Columbia. Specifically, the program got into force on January 1, 2019. 

The US decided to allow a first-in-a-generation seismic search for oil and gas in the Atlantic ocean. This move was made in spite of protests claiming that these tests will use loud air gun blasts that will harm marine animals like whales, dolphins and other animals.