mcbem-2014-01-submission-wwf-en

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recognizing that underwater noise is an emerging threat to the health of marine ecosystems, WWF
Canada hosted a two-day workshop for marine planners and regulators to help find solutions for
underwater noise management in Pacific Canada. The workshop provided a forum for 45 participants to
discuss various methods for minimizing and mitigating underwater noise, and to develop tools for
planners and regulators to draw from as they move forward in planning processes, reviewing
environmental assessments, and recovery planning for species listed under the Species at Risk Act
(SARA).
The workshop began with general presentations providing background on understanding underwater
noise, why it is an issue for marine animals, and current and proposed projects that will have
implications for increasing underwater noise on the north and central coast of British Columbia. This was
followed by a series of presentations on the tools that are currently available to manage noise in Canada
and elsewhere, particularly marine protected areas, the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive,
mechanisms under the Species At Risk Act, and lessons learned from the United States and by the Port
of Metro Vancouver as it moves ahead in developing incentive programs to address pollution from ports
and ships. On Day 2, presentations on frameworks for cumulative impacts and mitigation/compensation
provided the basis for discussion of how best to decide which approaches are most appropriate for
evaluating proposals on a case-by-case basis. The incentive-based Green Marine program and the role of
the IMO in reducing shipping noise was also discussed, as well as other methods of reducing shipping
and pile driving noise.
Following the presentations, the group divided into four breakout groups to discuss 1) the concept of
acoustic reserves on the coast; 2) noise standards and the role of incentivizing quieting; 3) how to
incorporate noise into marine planning processes; and 4) what can be done to reduce noise in British
Columbia’s waters within the next 5 years. A number of recommendations for planners and managers
were extracted from the presentations and discussions, and they are included here and framed around
translating science into policy; impact assessments; regulation; marine plans; acoustic monitoring;
acoustic quieting and marine protected areas; voluntary and incentive programs; and education and
communication. Recognizing that there are multiple pathways to manage underwater noise as a stressor
on marine life, it is precautionary to implement operational and technological quietening measures now,
and to incorporate the quality of the acoustic environment as a valued ecosystem component in marine
planning processes. Key recommendations of the workshop and its breakout groups were:
Recommendation 1: More work must be done to translate the science of underwater noise into policy
and regulations to guide management decisions.
Recommendation 2: A new DFO policy on underwater noise, addressing projects’ full acoustical
footprints and incorporating cumulative impacts of multiple developments, should be developed to
guide project proponents and regulatory decision makers.
Recommendation 3: Revise relevant existing and implement new regulations at different scales to
improve underwater noise management.
Recommendation 4: Marine plans should specify noise objectives, and set cumulative noise caps
regionally. They should in part do this by engaging the local community to ensure grass roots support.
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