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Ocean Noise
AWI became involved in the ocean noise
issue in the 1990s when the Low Frequency Active (LFA) sonar debate
raged. Since that time, we have been closely following the
threat that anthropogenic (human-caused) noise poses to marine life.
AWI takes an active interest in reports of
strandings associated with anthropogenic noise. Since early 2005, AWI has
been an active partner of the International Ocean
Noise Coalition, an alliance of over 140 groups working for
international regulation of ocean noise.
There is increasing evidence that
anthropogenic noise can harm marine animals. This harm can range
from disturbance of behavior to mortality. Well publicized
marine mammal stranding incidents coincident with noise activities are
an obvious indication of the link between man-made noise and its
impact on marine animals. Other less well-publicized impacts
threaten fish, squid and many other marine creatures. Several
countries and international bodies have, in recent years, begun to
recognize and to respond to this latest threat on ocean creatures,
though sadly, the US is not among them.
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