Fourth International Conference on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life
Abstract
This project supports the 4th International Conference on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life (www.AN2016.org) that will take place in Dublin, Ireland July 10-16, 2016 in Dublin. The meeting will follow the basic format of the three earlier meetings in the series, with invited and contributed talks, posters, workshops, and substantial opportunities for networking and sharing of ideas. The meeting is being organized by the Arthur N. Popper (PI) and four other scientists (Drs. Anthony Hawkins, Christine Erbe, Joseph Sisneros, and Frank Thomsen) all with strong scholarly records and with expertise in the areas of the meeting. At the AN2016 conference, a wide range of topics will be discussed including the anthropogenic effects of underwater sound such as those generated by explosions, ships, seismic exploration, offshore construction, sonars of various types, acoustic deterrent devices, wind farms, tide and wave generators, and of course sounds made by aquatic animals themselves. The major goal of AN2016 will be to define the current state of knowledge on the impact of underwater noise and, in particular, explore the progress made in this field in the three years since the previous Conference in Budapest, Hungry (2013). The extension of renewable energy and petroleum projects to offshore waters, the prospect of industrial development of previously pristine waters (e.g., polar regions), and recent proposals to open new areas for petroleum leases and wind farm construction (e.g., US Atlantic coast) has resulted in greater interest in the effects of underwater noise on aquatic life on the part of regulators, industry, and scientists. The need for rigorous examination of the environmental impact of underwater noise has driven new research into sound sources, their effects, and methods of mitigating their impact. AN2016 will place strong emphasis on recent research results, the sharing of ideas, discussion of experimental approaches, and analysis of regulatory issues. A fundamental part of the earlier meetings was that they, unlike any other meeting on related topics, brings together scientists, regulators, industry, environmental groups, and the public to share knowledge and ideas. The intent with the Dublin conference is to continue to enhance these interactions between scientists, regulators, and industry since we have found that this substantially improves understanding and communication of ideas, teaches each of the groups about the issues and concerns of the others, and results in a far better understanding of the needs of each group as we move forward in the field. In order to facilitate such communication and sharing of ideas, special sessions are planned that will allow regulators to communicate their needs as they deal with regulatory issues so that scientists and industry can better develop research programs and present material so they are most useful to regulators. This meeting is also unique in that it crosses traditional boundaries at other meetings that focus on one individual animal group (e.g., marine mammals, turtles) or sound source (e.g., seismic, pile driving) and strongly encourages cross-fertilization of knowledge and ideas across these traditional boundaries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141612215
Entities
People
- Arthur N. Popper
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Maryland