The First International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas

protection. <strong>The</strong>se active conservation efforts are supported by scientific research and
public awareness programs. <strong>The</strong> current seal population on the Desertas is estimated at
about 35 individuals. <strong>The</strong>re are signs that monk seals are slowly beginning to re-colonize
Madeira Island, likely due at least in part to the growth and expansion of the colony at
the Desertas. <strong>The</strong> inevitable interactions with fishermen in waters around Madeira Island
represent a new and emerging challenge for managers. <strong>The</strong> success of measures
implemented at the Desertas should be helpful in guiding the management response at
Madeira.
Incorporating underwater noise concerns into MPA design and management
Lindy Weilgart
Well-managed protected areas can be effective tools for protecting cetaceans and their
habitat from the cumulative and synergistic impacts of noise and other anthropogenic
stressors. Noise is a transboundary pollutant capable of affecting vast areas and whole
ecosystems. Documented responses of cetaceans to human-generated underwater sound
include cessation of vocalizations, reduced foraging, abandonment of habitat, and stress.
In some circumstances, exposure to noise can even lead to death. <strong>The</strong> most significant
sources of anthropogenic sound in the marine environment are underwater explosions,
seismic surveys used to find and characterize oil and gas deposits, shipping, naval sonar,
and oceanographic experiments.
Very few existing MPAs that contain cetacean habitat are large enough to confer
substantial protection from some noise sources. Spatio-temporal restrictions have been
implemented in some areas to address concerns about specific noise sources. Especially
in the case of MPAs inhabited by noise-sensitive cetacean species engaged in critical
behavior such as feeding or breeding, and which are presently threatened by noise or are
expected to be in the future, managers should incorporate noise considerations into their
management plans through, for example, the use of buffer zones. <strong>International</strong> or
national (EEZ) cetacean sanctuaries, or areas without formal protection, could add
noise-related spatio-temporal restrictions to their array of protection measures.
Diversion of shipping lanes or limits on ship speed also may reduce the exposure of
cetaceans to noise. Long-term visual and passive acoustic monitoring of cetaceans, and
acoustic monitoring of noise levels, are particularly important in MPAs. Passive acoustic
monitoring can be a cost-effective means to detect trends in cetacean distribution and
noise levels, to study the impacts of noise on cetaceans, to correlate noise levels with
population and ecosystem health, and to assist in enforcement and compliance.
Management for noise should include the cumulative, long-term effects of noise, as well
as interactions with other stressors on marine mammals.
Southern Right Whale Environmental Protection Area
Maria Elizabeth Carvalho da Rocha
<strong>The</strong> Southern Right Whale Environmental Protection Area (EPA) in southern Brazil is
managed through a participatory process involving government agencies, NGOs,
traditional communities, researchers, private businesses, and interested individuals. This
process is run by a Council, which was established in 2005 under Brazilian legislation
regarding National Protected Areas. <strong>The</strong>re is an emphasis on public education and
ICMMPA <strong>Conference</strong> Proceedings
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