Reviewing underwater noise effects on ‘Good Environmental Status’

Informing a holistic, strategic approach to underwater noise management

To maintain a healthy and productive marine environment, it is essential to manage and minimise the adverse impacts of underwater noise on marine life. This is, in part, addressed through the UK Government’s statutory obligation to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) for underwater noise.

In 2023 the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) issued a Call for Evidence on the drivers, pressures and evidence gaps affecting the achievability of GES, which concluded that further action is needed.

In response, the OEP commissioned ABPmer to develop an independent view of the current challenges of achieving GES for underwater noise.

ABPmer’s specialists undertook a thorough review of government strategies and policies, peer reviewed academic literature, the outcomes of research and monitoring initiatives, and grey literature to gather a comprehensive evidence base on underwater noise.

Our review was focussed on capturing robust evidence on the types and impacts of underwater noise, as well as the latest available information on how underwater noise is being managed to progress towards achieving GES.

The impacts of underwater noise were reviewed for each of the key industries that produce it, on each of the main species groups that can be impacted. Anticipated sector-specific and strategic future trends in underwater noise production were analysed, and actions that should be taken to progress towards achieving GES were recommended.

The study identified that a more holistic and strategic approach to underwater noise management should be implemented to address the uncertainties associated with the population level effects of underwater noise and anticipated increases in noise generating activities.

We identified key future opportunities and recommendations covering:

• The development of a holistic underwater noise management plan

• Engagement with international organisation

• Improved regulatory management

• Investment into technological innovation

These recommendations will support the OEP in making evidence-based decisions to hold the UK Government to account on the implementation of environmental law.

Read the full report at the OEP website

ABPmer advises marine sectors on regulatory and policy matters, with a long history supporting government and its agencies in developing the evidence base against which policy decisions are made.

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