Canada sets course with draft Ocean Noise Strategy – risks drifting if clear targets aren’t set

Noise from industrial activities including shipping, energy exploration, and offshore construction are impacting marine life globally, as well as the communities who depend on it. In Canada, these activities are substantially shifting the underwater soundscape, masking the calls of marine mammals and even changing their behaviour. Inuit Nunangat (Inuit homelands throughout the Canadian Arctic) is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of underwater noise as it has one of the quietest underwater soundscapes on earth and many noise-sensitive species. With increasing ships entering the Arctic, not only does underwater noise threaten to disturb these animals, but it can also interfere with Indigenous hunting rights.

The Government of Canada released their draft Ocean Noise Strategy, and the feedback period closed in October. The release of this strategy is an important step to developing a National approach to mitigate and manage underwater noise. The draft strategy detailed 20 recommendations under three overarching themes of (1) science, knowledge gathering, and innovation (2), assessment and management, and (3) communication, coordination, and engagement. These recommendations convey an integrative and collaborative approach to improving science and strengthening management, and include support for Indigenous community leadership in understanding and managing ocean noise. 

With the implementation of this strategy, Canada has the opportunity to become a global leader in managing underwater noise pollution. However, to realize this ambition, the Ocean Noise Strategy needs to be made more robust. Three components are needed to make this happen:

First, a commitment to Indigenous leadership must be upheld under Canada’s implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Indigenous Knowledge offers a critical and valuable lens through which to assess regions and ecosystems particularly vulnerable to ocean noise, monitor impacts of ocean noise, and contribute to management and mitigation measures. Formally recognizing Indigenous rights and leadership, and utilizing Indigenous Knowledge to understand and manage ocean noise will strengthen good governance, accountability, and partnerships. 

Second, focus on shipping at the nexus of climate, biodiversity and pollution. We’re in a triple planetary crisis which requires prioritizing solutions that have co-benefits across all these issues. Investing in efficiency measures on a ship often reduces underwater noise as well. Connecting underwater noise reduction with Canada’s climate strategy and the reduction of GHGs will use resources wisely and level up the importance of how addressing pollution and biodiversity can contribute to climate action, and vice versa. 

Third, include clear regulatory recommendations, thresholds and specific noise-reduction measures. This should involve developing legally binding noise thresholds for industrial activities as well as utilizing protected area designations and other regulatory measures to enhance protection of more vulnerable regions, including Inuit Nunangat. Measures that address multiple climate, pollution, and conservation targets can help maximize positive impacts. For example, mandatory shipping speed reductions can slow ships down in sensitive and vulnerable regions, which can reduce underwater noise and GHG emissions, and also can lead to reduced whale strikes. 

The Government of Canada is expected to release the final recommendations and first draft of the Federal Action Plan on ocean noise in 2025. Without these three essential components, the Strategy lacks credibility in its capacity to address the impacts of ocean noise. Canada’s Ocean Noise Strategy and the Federal Action Plan must include specific regulatory, policy, mitigation measures, and operational solutions that are driven by a commitment to justice and equity, recognizing the interdependence of climate, ecosystems, biodiversity, and human societies.

Equal Routes is a member of the Clean Arctic Alliance and Clean Shipping Coalition, both of which have been advocating for mandatory measures to be put in place at the International Maritime Organization to reduce URN.