MARMAM readers,
On behalf of my colleagues and co-guest editors for a special issue
of Endangered Species Research (ESR) on Anthropogenic Ocean Noise
(Drs. Doug Nowacek and Wendy Dow-Peniak), I would like to draw your
attention to the description and announcement of this issue. The
title and a short description are given below, with more details on
submissions for the special issue and ESR generally are available
at:
<http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/esr-specials/21st-century-paradigms-for-measuring-and-managing-the-effects-of-anthropogenic-ocean-noise/>
21st Century Paradigms for Measuring and Managing
the Effects of Anthropogenic Ocean Noise
Anthropogenic noise in the ocean has received considerable attention
in recent years. Observational and manipulative experiments have
provided insights into impacts of noise on animals as well as, in
some cases, a lack of effects. The study of anthropogenic noise in
the ocean has matured considerably, in part due to lessons learned
and new tools developed for assessing similar issues in terrestrial
systems (some illustrative examples of which we propose including).
In considering the recent progress in this rapidly expanding field,
this issue will highlight studies that explore both the increasing
understanding of effects of noise on animals and some of the
practical and regulatory human dimensions of this subject. The study
of potential effects on animals has matured experimentally and
theoretically, with careful experiments addressing specific
questions and emerging issues related to the development of new
areas and new industries. Furthermore, advances in sophisticated
modelling methods of sound footprints and noise exposure over
increasingly large spatio-temporal areas are facilitating the
advancement of theory. Our appreciation of the human dimension of
this issue has also developed, with practical considerations for the
application of emerging science in regulatory policy. Many of these
realizations that will be explored within the special issue involve
a broadening of the taxonomic and ecological scope of potential
effects, as well as synoptic measurements and assessment of
non-traditional variables (e.g., noise exposure context). This Theme
Section fits squarely within ESR’s mission to provide knowledge
needed for practicing human stewardship, in this case stewardship of
the oceans. And while not all of the species proposed for discussion
are threatened or endangered, the marine habitat is threatened and
thus so are the creatures that exist and rely on it. We envision
this Theme Section to inform regional, national and international
conservation strategies aimed at understanding and managing
anthropogenic noise in the ocean. Through various fora, stakeholders
in this issue include: noise producers, regulators, conservation
organizations, academic and private sector scientists, and society
at large. This issue will attempt to encapsulate issues relevant to
all of these stakeholders within the overall context of science and
management of ocean noise.
Sincerely,
Brandon Southall
--
Brandon L. Southall, Ph.D.
President, Senior Scientist, SEA, Inc.
Research Associate, University of California, Santa Cruz
Adjunct Associate Professor, Duke University Marine Laboratory
9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA
831.332.8744 (mobile); 831.661.5177 (office); 831.661.5178 (fax)
Brandon.Southall@sea-inc.net; www.sea-inc.net