The development of a policy framework to mitigate underwater noise pollution from commercial vessels

Oceans are under severe pressure due to immense anthropogenic activities and related pollution and impacts. Although shipping is the most fuel efficient mode of transportation and, accounting for 80% of transportation of cargo by volume while playing an important role in global trade, it has negative environmental and socio-economic externalities and threatens sustainable development. It is predicted that World seaborne trade will grow by a factor of 2.5% from 2020 to 2040. It is necessary to take appropriate actions to control and mitigate the negative impacts of international shipping. One of the newly emerging environmental issues resulting from anthropogenic activities is Under Water Noise (UWN). UWN has adverse impacts on the marine environment within and beyond national jurisdiction, and it is becoming a significant threat to both underwater life and socio-economic status. While most of the negative externalities from international shipping have been regulated, UWN pollution has not been regulated appropriately. Although policymakers in some jurisdictions have commitment for the mitigation of this pollution, there is no international legally binding instrument to control, mitigate, and monitor. This legal gap makes stakeholders reluctant to take appropriate action to address the issue. This paper explores the policy context of underwater noise mitigation in commercial shipping to support the development of effective and efficient underwater noise management framework. The paper concludes that the multi-interdisciplinary command and control approach with consideration of multi-dimensional incentive regimes must be considered for any further action and policy decision making regarding UWN pollution from commercial vessels.