Merging Perspectives from the OCEANOISE2023 Sessions
An Intersession Conversation

Lead facilitators: Michel André and Roberto Racca

Panelists: Tomonari Akamatsu, Eric Baudin, Kevin Heaney, Michael Jenkerson, Jill Lewandowski, Bruce Martin, Nathan D. Merchant, John Potter, Frank Thomson, and Katherine Whyte

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Objective: The meeting convened international experts to discuss critical issues related to underwater noise pollution and strategise for effective mitigation.

Key Discussion Points:

• Assessment of Noise Impact
  • How to keep noise assessment methods aligned with the increasing industrialisation of the seas due to offshore wind projects.
  • Evaluation of the adequacy of current methodologies and the potential for cumulative impact assessments.
• Integration of Noise Mitigation in Ocean Engineering
  • The need for early consideration of noise emissions in the design of ocean engineering technologies.
  • Examples of cautionary cases such as mooring for floating wind farms and ultrasonic hull antifouling systems.
• Scaling Soundscape Analyses
  • Strategies for scaling up soundscape analyses, including the assembly of raw unprocessed data for modelling and the consideration of higher temporal resolutions.
  • Evaluation of the worthiness and utility of such efforts.
• Data Assimilation Challenges
  • Challenges and methodologies for combining data sets with modelling, particularly in the context of the ocean community.
  • The importance of blending data and modelling approaches for more accurate assessments.
• Transition to Continuous Sound Sources
  • Discussion on how the future underwater soundscape will evolve due to a shift toward more continuous anthropogenic sound sources.
• Role of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS)
  • Consideration of how DAS technology may change the way underwater noise is monitored.
  • Strategies to efficiently and rapidly make DAS tools available.
• The Shipping Industry
  • Recognising the limited knowledge about the impact of noise on various species.
  • Efforts, including Michelle Sanders’ work, to address noise issues in the shipping sector.
• Global vs. Regional Guidance
  • Debate over whether to adopt global target goals or maintain region-specific guidelines, particularly for riverine and coastal areas.
  • Challenges associated with achieving global consensus on noise regulation.
• Need for a Consistent Global Approach
  • Exploration of the necessity for a consistent global approach to addressing underwater noise pollution.
  • Discussion on the predictability and consistency needed for industry compliance, especially in emerging countries.
• Concrete Goals for Noise Reduction
  • Consideration of whether a concrete global aspiration for underwater noise pollution is required.
  • Debates regarding the form of goals, such as decreasing trends globally or relative goals.
• Appropriate Metrics for Assessment
  • Examination of the most appropriate metrics, including seismic and regulatory measures, to assess underwater noise pollution.
  • Emphasis on fine-tuning assessment systems to align with best practices.
• Communication and Public Engagement
  • Strategies for effectively communicating the issue of underwater noise pollution to the public and policymakers.
  • The importance of simplifying complex issues and creating clear, actionable messages.

Conclusion and Recommendations: The expert panel discussed a wide range of critical issues related to underwater noise pollution, spanning assessment methodologies, noise mitigation, global goals, and communication strategies. Key takeaways include the need for:

• Continuous adaptation of noise assessment methods to match the industrialisation of marine areas.
• Early consideration of noise emissions in ocean engineering designs.
• Scaling up soundscape analyses and sharing raw data for modelling purposes.
• Developing uniform methodologies for data assimilation and modelling.
• Addressing the global nature of the shipping industry with consistent guidelines.
• Considering both global and regional approaches to noise regulation.
• Establishing clear and measurable goals for noise reduction.
• Enhancing communication efforts to engage the public and industry stakeholders effectively.

The panel emphasised the urgency of addressing underwater noise pollution and highlighted the potential for DAS technology to aid in data collection, and the Lido network for analysis. Further collaboration, research, and public engagement efforts were encouraged to achieve concrete and achievable goals in reducing underwater noise pollution on a global scale.

Next Steps:

• Formulate a clear and achievable global target for underwater noise reduction.
• Develop communication strategies to raise public awareness and engage industry stakeholders.
• Continue research and data collection efforts, especially in developing countries.
• Foster international cooperation to establish consistent global guidelines for noise regulation.
• Explore innovative technologies, such as DAS, for monitoring and mitigation.

*Note: This report is a summary of the key discussion points and does not include specific recommendations or action plans, which may be developed in subsequent meetings.*