New publication: ** Lora L. Nordtvedt Reeve, *Of Whales and Ships: Impacts on the Great Whales of Underwater Noise Pollution from Commercial Shipping and Proposals for Regulation under International Law*, 18 Ocean & Coastal L.J. 127 (2012). Abstract: In the aftermath the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the sea off the eastern coast of the United States nearly emptied of ships and, consequently, of the underwater noise pollution the ships generate, thus opening the opportunity for a unique scientific study of how marine mammals are affected by the noise. By comparing the stress on North Atlantic right whales caused by underwater noise pollution from commercial shipping before and after September 11, scientists were able to demonstrate the significant adverse impact of shipping noise on these critically endangered marine mammals. The findings add to a growing body of literature that provides the scientific basis for emerging global efforts to regulate underwater noise pollution and manage its impact on the great whales. The International Maritime Organization is the primary global agency with the authority to regulate most other pollutants that are discharged from commercial vessels and could therefore regulate underwater noise as a new category of pollutant. Alternatively, other international treaties and regional agreements offer persuasive authority for a new convention dedicated to managing all types of underwater noise, including the noise from shipping activities. Whether through a new convention or revised regulations under the International Maritime Organization, the issue is urgent and requires action now by the international community. Download a pdf at http://mainelaw.maine.edu/academics/oclj/vol-18-no-1.html<http://mainelaw.maine.edu/academics/oclj/vol-18-no-1.html%20> or request from the author at lorareeve@mac.com. Lora L. Nordtvedt Reeve, J.D., M.S., M.B.A. Independent Consultant Ocean Law and Policy Document Preparation Marine Environmental Impact Assessment Hawai`i U.S.A. +1 808 756 1877 lorareeve@mac.com lreeve@hawaii.edu http://www.linkedin.com/in/loralnordtvedtreeve