News:

NMFS authorized the Navy's use of deadly LFA sonar! read more  

AWI performs a street theater in front of NMFS to mark this threat on marine life. watch video

 

Ocean Noise

 

AWI became involved in the ocean noise issue in the 1990s when the Low Frequency Active (LFA) sonar debate raged.  Since that time, we have been closely following the threat that anthropogenic (human-caused) noise poses to marine life.

 

AWI takes an active interest in reports of strandings associated with anthropogenic noise.  Since early 2005, AWI has been an active partner of the International Ocean Noise Coalition, an alliance of over 140 groups working for international regulation of ocean noise.

 

There is increasing evidence that anthropogenic noise can harm marine animals.  This harm can range from disturbance of behavior to mortality.  Well publicized marine mammal stranding incidents coincident with noise activities are an obvious indication of the link between man-made noise and its impact on marine animals.  Other less well-publicized impacts threaten fish, squid and many other marine creatures.  Several countries and international bodies have, in recent years, begun to recognize and to respond to this latest threat on ocean creatures, though sadly, the US is not among them.

 

 

Read Ben White's Yucatan Journal

 

Ben's last direct action was to oppose a seismic experiment off the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico.  The experiment was conducted by the Research Vessel Maurice Ewing, funded by the National Science Foundation, and took place in January 2005.  Ben died later that July.

 

 

 

International Actions

 

US Actions

 

General Information