Underwater Noise from Large Commercial Ships—International Collaboration for Noise Reduction

• Main Authors: Southall, Brandon L., Scholik‐Schlomer, Amy R., Hatch, Leila, Bergmann, Trisha, Jasny, Michael, Metcalf, Kathy, Weilgart, Lindy, Wright, Andrew J.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: Wiley 2017
• Subjects: Lanes; baleen whales
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781118476406.emoe056; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2F9781118476406.emoe056; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/9781118476406.emoe056

Abstract Ambient noise in broad areas of the ocean has increased significantly over the past half‐century from the introduction of tens of thousands of commercial ships continuously transiting the sea. Ship‐radiated noise is predominately low frequency (<1000 Hz) other than close to vessels, and aggregate noise can dominate low‐frequency bands, even well outside shipping lanes. Such sounds add to an already noisy background and can affect marine animals in various ways. This includes reducing the areas over which they can communicate, particularly for species that rely on low‐frequency sounds like baleen whales, seals, and fishes. An international community of researchers, environmental groups, government agencies, and sectors of the shipping industry has recognized shipping noise as an important marine conservation issue, as have various international bodies, notably the United Nation's International Maritime Organization (IMO). Reducing potential impacts from aggregate vessel noise is challenging given the nature and magnitude of the issue and the historical lack of regulation. However, substantial recent progress has been made by proactive collaborations among environmentalists, regulators, scientists, and industry, leading to progress in the IMO in the development of guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise from commercial shipping. This article discusses low‐frequency noise incidentally radiated from ships and its potential effects on marine life, with an emphasis on marine mammals. We also trace the formation and evolution of efforts to address environmental and economic costs and benefits of ship‐quieting efforts. The authors represent a range of governmental, scientific, industry, and conservation organizations centrally engaged in the IMO effort.