Regulations on Marine Noise?

Regulations on Marine Noise?

Shipping could face more environmental legislation in the future as its impact on marine wildlife through noise comes under scrutiny. Experts say the impact of ship-generated noise that spreads through the water could be the next big environmental challenge as it is thought to affect a range of marine animals. The main issue is that man-made underwater noise has been on the increase. Experts say it has led to whale and dolphin strandings and a long-term impact on animal behaviour such as changes to migration or breeding patterns.

One of the vessel types under particular scrutiny is the high-speed ferry, particularly in the Mediterranean. According to environmentalists a ferry could generate up to 190 db at 40 hz just through propeller noise. Fish and baleen whales could be adversely affected as they can hear that noise — their threshold volume is around 140 db.

The marine environment protection committee of the International Maritime Organization has a correspondence group looking at the issue of how noise from shipping has an adverse impact on marine life. It submitted a detailed report at the last MEPC meeting this summer for further development.