The UK Government has a statutory obligation to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) for underwater noise under the UK Marine Strategy and several other international initiatives. This involves minimising the level of anthropogenic impulsive and continuous noise to an extent that does not adversely affect populations of marine life.
ABPmer were commissioned by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) to conduct an evaluation of the effects of underwater noise on the achievement of GES. Through a literature review and utilising expert judgement, this project evaluates the impacts of underwater noise on the UK’s marine environment and assess future trends - such as increased maritime activity - that may intensify these pressures and affect the achievement of GES. It also evaluates the current policy and regulatory framework and potential changes required, alongside technologies or practices, to manage and mitigate underwater noise and support progress towards GES.
This project builds on our foundational work under the OEP’s marine programme, including the call for evidence on GES.
This report was compiled by ABPmer on behalf of the OEP. The views expressed in this report are those of ABPmer and not the OEP.
