OTTAWA—Last week, the federal government released its Draft Ocean Noise Strategy. The strategy, which began development in 2020, represents a positive step toward mitigating the impacts of noise on the marine environment.

“Noise from industrial activity such as shipping is already having an impact on marine life and communities that depend on it,” says Kristin Westdal, Oceans North’s science director. “Addressing this threat will require listening to and learning from the people who are most affected—as well as taking concrete actions to manage it.”

The strategy provides 20 recommendations centred around understanding and managing the impacts of ocean noise. It also includes case studies of existing programs, including several in the Arctic, which range from notices to mariners to avoid marine protected areas to community-driven efforts that are monitoring the soundscapes of their waters.

“Building on and increasing the capacity of communities to monitor and manage activities that are affecting them must be a key part of any strategy to address ocean noise,” Westdal says. “We’re happy to see the government acknowledge this fact in their draft.”

In partnership with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Oceans North is already working with harvesters in Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) as well as the Nunatsiavut Government to deploy hydrophones that are providing crucial data on the underwater soundscape, from the calls of marine mammals to the rumble of shipping traffic. These community-led initiatives are providing key information for the management of marine industrial activities in protected areas. Efforts are ongoing to expand this program to other communities across the Arctic.

The recommendations also highlight the importance of innovation in reducing underwater noise at its source. Electric and hybrid-electric marine vessels that use electric propulsion systems reduce underwater noise by reducing propeller cavitation. These technologies are available for both ocean-going vessels and near-shore vessels and should be prioritized in Canada’s plan to decarbonize its domestic fleet.

“Reducing underwater noise goes hand in hand with reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” says Brent Dancey, Oceans North’s director of marine climate action. “By adopting zero-emission technologies powered by renewable energy, we can cut down harmful CO2 emissions and reduce disruptive noise, giving marine life a better chance to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change.”

Following the release of the Draft Ocean Noise Strategy, members of the public have 60 days to comment. “We look forward to submitting our thoughts on this new strategy, and we hope others will lend their support in calling for a robust action framework that builds on the leadership communities have already shown in working to monitor and manage underwater noise,” Westdal says.

Learn more about the impacts of underwater noise by watching our video below.

For more information, please contact:

Alex Tesar
Communications Manager
Oceans North
[email protected]