Bridging Science and Policy on Underwater Noise

On 18 October 2024, experts from across the globe convened online to discuss an increasingly critical issue, underwater noise pollution and its impacts on marine ecosystems at the event the “Quiet, please! Bridging Science and Policy on Underwater Noise”. The event was co-organised by JPI Oceans, LAB-UPC, IOC-UNESCO, and the OCEANOISE Conference Series, and provided an interactive platform for scientists, policymakers and industry professionals to explore recent advancements and strategies for the mitigation of underwater noise. The event was a follow-up to the satellite event organised during the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona.

With nearly 300 attendees, the event demonstrated the urgency of addressing underwater noise as we become more aware of its significant effects on marine ecosystems and their organisms. Renowned experts Peter Sigray, Leila Hatch, Christine Erbe, Tomonari Akamatsu, and Ana Širović represented a panel moderated by Michel André. Their expertise encompassed underwater acoustics, marine bioacoustics and policymaking.

The event focused on the most recent developments in the field and how to turn scientific discoveries into solutions that are driven by policy. Discussion topics included:

1. Defining Underwater Noise as a Pollutant: Recognising anthropogenic noise as an environmental pollutant and advocating for its regulation.
2. Long-term Marine Acoustic Monitoring: Addressing the need for consistent acoustic monitoring to better understand how marine life is affected by human-induced noise.
3. Bridging Science and Policy: Emphasising the importance of converting scientific research into policy frameworks to enable effective noise mitigation measures.
4. Global Framework and Regional Adaptation: Exploring strategies for balancing human activity with environmental sustainability on both regional and international levels.

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