WCEL Submission on Canada's draft Ocean Noise Strategy

Canada’s draft Ocean Noise Strategy provides needed objectives and recommendations to begin addressing the impacts of ocean noise. However, it must be strengthened to provide clear direction on how Canada will implement and enforce critical elements for noise management, including noise thresholds and limits, area-based protections, timelines for when these measures will be in place, and direction on how Canada will monitor their success.

We make the following recommendations to ensure that the Strategy results in meaningful reductions in ocean noise: 

1. A precautionary approach to move forward on addressing ocean noise in cases of scientific uncertainty;
2. Actionable, legally-binding measures related to noise thresholds and limits;
3. Protection for sensitive areas, like marine protected areas (MPAs) and species at risk critical habitat;
4. Measures to reduce the most significant sources of ocean noise pollution;
5. Meaningful legal measures to ensure the success of the Strategy; and
6. Mechanisms for accountability, including timelines and reporting.