Nations combine to tackle underwater noise

Panama, Canada, 35 other nations, and the European Union have launched the High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean. The first global initiative aiming to reduce harmful underwater noise and its negative impact on marine life was launched at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice.

The Coalition launch was attended by representatives of the shipping industry, leaders from indigenous communities and environmental NGOs. A Declaration was signed, signalling a commitment to develop quieter ship designs, integrate noise reduction into marine protected areas, and support capacity-building through science-based projects that also cut carbon emissions.

BIMCO’s head of Intergovernmental Affairs, Bev Mackenzie, noted that the maritime sector understands that the issue of underwater noise poses an environmental challenge that requires a concerted effort to solve. “Innovations in ship design, operational practices and routing strategies can reduce our acoustic footprint,” she said. “But not only that, these measures can help the shipping industry increase efficiency and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

“The launch of the High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean is an important step forward, aligning industry and governments around practical, science-based solutions that support both sustainable shipping and healthy oceans,” she added. 

The Honorable Juan Carlos Navarro, Minister of Environment for Panama, said: “Too often, the issue of ocean noise has been sidelined in global environmental discourse. With this Coalition, we are committing to act decisively to protect marine biodiversity from this invisible yet powerful threat.”