Ocean Conservation Research (OCR)

Sound science serving the sea. 

OCR seeks to understand the impacts of human generated noise on marine life – using our understanding to inform ocean policy and practice. Of concern are the noises generated by underwater acoustical communication networks, military sonar, seismic airgun surveys, seafloor oil and gas processing, and shipping noise. These noises can impose various impacts on marine life across all taxa – cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises), pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), fishes, and marine invertebrates. OCR is focused on understanding the energy and noise impacts of the industrialisation of the ocean, and its consequences on marine life. They engage in marine biological and technological research based on conservation priorities. They use the products of this research to inform the policies and practice of the public, industry, and lawmakers so that we may all become stewards of the sea.