Underwater noise in the Arctic – How can we reduce its impacts as shipping traffic grows?

The effects of climate change and human activities are being felt everywhere, both above and below the surface of our oceans. In the Arctic, the ocean is home to abundant wildlife that Inuit communities rely on, including narwhal, beluga, and other marine mammals. Many of these species rely on sound to navigate, communicate and find food. But underwater noise generated from human activity can interfere with this vital behavior, causing stress and disorientation for marine life – including endangered whales.

As vessel traffic in the Arctic continues to grow, more research is urgently needed to understand how this is affecting the underwater soundscape, and how best to minimize the impacts on both marine mammals and the communities that depend on them.

Partnering to understand and reduce underwater noise.

A new research program has been launched to better understand and mitigate the impacts from underwater noise in the Canadian Arctic. The initiative brings together Oceans North, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), and the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego), in close collaboration with the marine transport sector, and local and regional Inuit resource managers, who are key partners in shaping the project’s priorities and implementation.

“The project we’re working on is really about trying to understand the impacts of underwater noise on marine wildlife, particularly in the Eastern Canadian Arctic,” says Joshua Jones, oceanographer at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, who is helping lead the research.

The program’s goals include measuring underwater noise, creating noise prediction maps, and improving mitigation strategies for Arctic communities and ship operators. Cruise operators and researchers are working together to record sound levels from different ships under different operating conditions.

Collaborative, community-led approach

 In-person and virtual meetings are planned to strengthen partnerships, support the co-development of all program components, and ensure that results are shared in ways that are accessible, actionable, and tailored to the needs of specific stakeholders. Local and regional Inuit resource managers will also be key collaborators on this project.

“While managing a busier Arctic benefits everyone, it is important that the needs and interests of the people who are most affected by these changes are driving the questions and objectives of the research,” explains Amanda Joynt, Senior Policy Advisor at Oceans North. “As Arctic marine traffic increases, the project will help us to better implement proper marine spatial planning, with communities at the center.”

Sustainable cruise tourism in practice

AECO’s role includes evaluating noise-reducing operational measures, developing mitigation strategies, and sharing findings with the industry. “This project allows us to better understand the impact of underwater noise in the Arctic and develop effective mitigation measures with our members,” says Melissa Nacke, AECO’s head of Operations. “It also supports our ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable cruise tourism.”

With more than CAD 450,000 in funding from Fisheries and Oceans Canada through the Oceans Management Contribution Program, the research is set to continue through March 2026.