mcbem-2014-01-submission-wwf-en

These planning processes are long term, with implementation expected to take 10-20 years. As a result,
they need to anticipate future research needs and to be adaptive, and at least consider noise thresholds
in their Ecosystem Based Management standards. A risk assessment framework, such as those discussed
in workshop presentations, may be most appropriate.
There are a number of ways to influence underwater noise associated with shipping within the marine
planning process:
Marine plans could specify noise objectives and set cumulative noise caps regionally. Local
communities should be engaged to ensure grassroots support.
Within a planning area, baseline underwater noise levels should be established using
standardised approaches, with ongoing monitoring and risk assessments undertaken under
different scenarios of development.
Marine plans can create zones with different objectives for each zone. This is the approach that
MaPP is using.
Underwater noise (measured or modelled) should be a layer in spatial data sets. Modelled noise
levels should be validated with measurements, and objectives set for maintaining areas of low
noise as required to meet conservation targets.
In efforts to establish a network of MPAs, spatially linking acoustically quiet areas would be
beneficial.
Other tools such as the Green Marine program (described above), species management regulations
(based on SARA-listed species and other species ranking criteria, e.g., provincial Red and Blue lists), the
IMO’s voluntary noise control standards, and changing ship design to improve efficiency would also help
to reduce underwater noise within the context of marine planning.
Requirements of the commercial shipping sector and its international regulatory structure need to be
taken into account. Shipping is an international industry, regulated primarily at the international level,
though Canada has considerable scope to regulate within territorial sea limits.
Obtaining Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) designation from the IMO could be a useful approach to
protecting key areas of habitat. To date, the IMO has designated 13 PSSAs, including some of the world’s
most spectacular marine areas like Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the US Florida Keys, and Ecuador’s
Galapagos, which are vulnerable to damage caused by various aspects of international shipping
activities. These are science-based designations but require governmental support and involvement in
the multi-year assessment and designation process. However, once designated, ships transiting the area
are subject to restrictions, which can include zero discharge zones and no-go zones; see Nowlan abstract
for details).
The noise-related priorities in planning should be:
Undertaking risk based assessments, and in areas of critical habitat, refining noise-related data
layers and establishing target thresholds that are based on best up to date information;
Engaging in a broader educational outreach to all who introduce noise into the ocean;
Piloting a site for a cumulative effects assessment of underwater noise levels;
Determining a cumulative noise cap for coastal waters, in addition to maximum exposure
criteria; and
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