Decisions 15.45 to 15.47 - Underwater Noise
Aquatic Species Conservation Issues
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Decision directed to: Parties
Decision directed to: Scientific Council
Decision directed to: Secretariat
15.45
Parties are requested to assess whether CMS-listed freshwater mammals within their jurisdiction are negatively affected by underwater noise, and in view of the concerning conservation status of many of these species, develop and/or apply mitigation measures, as applicable, while awaiting the development of specific guidance for freshwater habitats.
15.46
The Scientific Council, subject to the availability of resources and where applicable through the Joint Noise Working Group of CMS, ACCOBAMS and ASCOBANS, is requested to:
a) develop guidance on mitigation of noise affecting CMS-listed freshwater mammals and their prey;
b) review the National Anthropogenic Underwater Noise Guidelines developed by the Government of Australia once they become available to:
i. evaluate whether an update of the Technical Support Information to the CMS Family Guidelines on Environmental Impact Assessment for Marine Noise-generating Activities is still required to provide additional guidance to Parties;
ii. conduct a comprehensive review of sources of underwater noise of concern, including an assessment of existing guidance and knowledge available from CMS and other relevant forums, to identify gaps in current guidance related to the mitigation of underwater noise impacts specifically on migratory species and their prey, and provide recommendations to Parties, including suggestions for effective mitigation measures;
c) if needed, provide a peer review of the updated Technical Support Information to the CMS Family Guidelines on Environmental Impact Assessment for Marine Noise-generating Activities.
15.47
The Secretariat shall, subject to the availability of resources:
a) facilitate an update of the Technical Support Information to the CMS Family Guidelines on Environmental Impact Assessment for Marine Noise-generating Activities and publish it as a Technical Series, if needed in view of the National Anthropogenic Underwater Noise Guidelines developed by the Government of Australia;
b) convene an in-person workshop to assist the Joint Noise Working Group with advancing priority activities of the Work Plan and as outlined in Decision 15.46;
c) in collaboration with the Joint Noise Working Group, continue providing up-to-date information on the CMS website on marine noise to assist Parties and other stakeholders in effective mitigation of impacts of underwater noise on marine species;
d) support the Scientific Council and the Joint Noise Working Group in developing the requested reports and any further guidance on mitigation of the effects of marine noise, as required.