WITH awareness of underwater radiated noise (URN) from shipping growing significantly in recent years, the IMO has released two new publications offering practical steps to address the issue.
This type of noise emitted by ships includes propeller cavitation, engine machinery and hull movement and can travel long distances and affect marine life.
The new resources, provided by the GEF-UNDP-IMO GloNoise Partnership, analyse current policy frameworks and provide a structured process for national engagement in line with IMO guidance.
They are intended for use by administrations, port and shipping stakeholders, research institutions and community partners that are working to protect marine life while enabling safe and efficient maritime transport
The other key stakeholders in the reduction of URN are those whose activities generate URN that may be affecting the marine environment, including the shipping industry, ferry and cruise traffic, commercial fisheries, mineral or gas exploration and others.
IMO points out that URN can have negative impacts on a variety of marine life, from benthic invertebrates to the largest whales. Marine life are undoubtedly the most important stakeholders in any URN reduction efforts, but do not have a voice.
The most likely stakeholders to represent marine life are non-profit environmental groups, government agencies responsible for the protection of the marine environment, or those companies and individuals (such as fishers or ecotourism operators) whose livelihood may be affected by a reduction in the health and well-being of marine life.
The Gap Analysis of Policies and Recommendations for the Mitigation of Underwater Radiated Noise from Shipping reviews international and regional instruments and examines how national frameworks are applied within the Lead Pilot Countries.
The other publication - The Guide for the Development of a National Stakeholder Engagement Plan for the Mitigation of Underwater Radiated Noise from Shipping - offers a practical process to design and implement stakeholder engagement plans.
The two publications are available online: https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/pages/whatsnew-2352.aspx