Practical Approaches for Reducing Ocean Noise: Opportunities using systemic evidence synthesis, multi-sectoral dialogues, and ‘Smart Shipping’ technology to protect marine mammals from anthropogenically produced sound

Abstract

This Master’s Project presents data-informed strategies to minimize anthropogenic ocean noise. With the blue acceleration—the driver of human development through the use of ocean resources—we can mitigate impacts of ocean noise using technology and multi-sectoral collaboration. Anthropogenic ocean noise can be generated by offshore renewable energy development, shipping, and geophysical exploration, three key components of the blue economy. Anthropogenic ocean noise from these point sources threatens marine mammals throughout their life functions, including communication, feeding, and defense. Since the production and reception of sound is centrally important to these species, noise pollution can lead to significant consequences. Congruent with the mission of the Global Alliance for Managing Ocean Noise (GAMeON), three different approaches are presented that explore ways to proactively identify emerging concerns and solutions, to create inclusive multi-sectoral dialogues, and to map existing and emerging technologies to solve the pressing ocean challenge of human produced noise. These three approaches include evidence synthesis, multi-sectoral dialogues, and ‘smart shipping’ geospatial technology.