ViewpointMarine mammals and ocean noise: Future directions and information needs with respect to science, policy and law in Canada

- Marine mammals use sound for life functions, and ocean noise can disrupt these.
- Canada includes acoustic attributes of critical habitats for some endangered species.
- Key studies are needed to meet Canada's conservation objectives for marine mammals.
- Management plans must cover both species that are and are not listed as endangered.
- A coherent, national ocean noise strategy is needed to link science, policy and law.

Marine mammals are ecologically and culturally important species, and various countries have specific legislation to protect the welfare of individual marine mammals and the conservation of their populations. Anthropogenic noise represents a particular challenge for conservation and management. There is a large and growing body of research to support the conclusion that anthropogenic noise can affect marine mammal behavior, energetics, and physiology. The legal, policy, and management issues surrounding marine mammals and noise are similarly complex. Our objective is twofold. First, we discuss how policy and legal frameworks in Canada have some important differences from other jurisdictions covered in previous reviews, and provide a useful general case study. Secondly, we highlight some priority research areas that will improve marine mammal conservation and management. Our examples focus on the research needed to meet stated conservation objectives for marine mammal species in waters under Canadian jurisdiction.