Oceans of noise - Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

Noise pollution also needs to be considered in synergy with other factors, such as chemicalpollution and habitat degradation, that can also be expected to impact cetaceans. Conservationmanagement that considers cumulative and synergistic impacts over large habitat areas (includingnational jurisdictions, as well as the high seas, where appropriate) would seem to be the wayforward.The cumulative impacts of some forms of noise pollution have been considered through a processof Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). This approach requires consideration of allecosystem threats, considering individual impacts in unison rather than discretely. Such a processcan make recommendations that lead to further scientific understanding, monitoring ofenvironmental effects and review and assessment of the cumulative effects. For example, the UKSEA policy document makes specific reference to study behavioural responses of marinemammals to seismic noise (DTI 2001).The cumulative or synergistic effects of all such stresses can be expected to further affectindividual viability, through a reduction in calving rates, avoidance of critical habitat and othersuch impacts that may lead to increases in mortality.A range of literature has been produced that include potential mitigation procedures for variousforms of noise pollution. Richardson (2000) has produced a document listing needed researchconcerning airgun effects on marine mammals (also see Moscrop and Swift 1999; Hess 1997).Aburto et al. (1997) make recommendations for further research, with particular reference toactive sonar military operations, and Vella et al. (2001) for wind farms. Ketten (1998) suggestsmitigation and research needs for fisheries acoustic devices and Kastelein et al. (2000) forpingers. Erbe (2001) presents future research suggestions for whale watching vessels.A more generic list to develop an understanding of the effects of sound on marine mammals hasbeen identified in National Research Council (2000) (relating to low frequency sound) and byRichardson et al. (1995), Richardson and Wursig (1997) and Richardson (1997).7.5. CommunicationThe International Whaling Commission (IWC) recognised that anthropogenic noise is a complexsubject and that scientific study on this issue involves the integration of a broad range ofdisciplines including acoustics, audiology, physiology, behaviour, behavioural ecology, ecology,oceanography, and population biology (IWC 1999).Research will be most useful if it is independent and non-aligned, co-ordinated and committed toimproving environmental legislation. Better access to data would help in monitoring long-termeffects and in planning mitigation (Gisiner 1998). Standardisation of field procedures and dataformats should be encouraged where feasible (Gisiner 1998).It might be useful to convene an independent legislative panel consisting of relevant internationalscientists to continually review the mitigation procedures that are put in place for major forms ofnoise pollution. Such a panel was recommended by Moscrop and Swift (1999) in connection withlicensing of the oil and gas industry. This may offer a practical solution to ongoing issuesinvolved in mitigation, including future decision-making processes such as the nature of thenecessary format for collected data and details of a standardised training protocol for observers.This panel could be responsible for prioritising research needs and guiding national andinternational regulation.72