An underwater hydro-phone
is deployed to
measure noise levels in
a US marine sanctuary.
I MAGE: NOAA
G The fi rst acoustic map of waters around the UK,
developed by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries
and Aquaculture Science.
IMAGE: CEFAS
FINLANDS SJÖFART J SUOMEN MERENKULKU 75
DISTURBING
THE DEEP
There’s a big focus on exhaust emissions
from shipping at present. But new research
is looking at the impact of noise emissions
– and it could mean a fresh wave of regula-tory
requirements for the industry…
S eafarers often complain about the problems posed
by noise onboard ships – especially the way it can
interrupt sleep. But now pressure is growing for
new rules to reduce noise from ships in response
to increasing evidence about the adverse effects on marine
life.
Measures such as routeing schemes, slow steaming and
better insulation are being put forward following a series
of studies which show that underwater noise is disrupting
the ability of marine animals such as whales, dolphins and
seals to communicate, navigate, breed and hunt.
A project nearing completion in the UK is set to add to
the pressure for change. The Centre for Environment,
Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) has just
produced the fi rst maps of shipping noise in UK waters.
The maps have been developed from measurements
collected by special underwater noise-recording equip-ment
at sites on the seabed around the coast. They reveal
that the highest noise levels are in the English Channel
(especially the Dover Strait, as might be expected) and
along the UK east coast, particularly off the coasts of East
Anglia, Humberside, Tyneside and Aberdeen.
High noise levels were also observed in the northern
North Sea, apparently linked to ship traffi c servicing oil
and gas infrastructure.
A
The maps will be used to help shape a noise monitoring
and assessment programme as part of the UK Marine
Strategy. CEFAS has also been working to examine the
impacts that noise can have, to monitor trends, and to
work with regulators and industry to assist in project
planning to manage potential risks. A scientifi c paper will
be published later this year to share these results more
widely.
The CEFAS initiative mirrors work undertaken by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) in the United States, which has produced a