On behalf of my colleagues and co-guest editors, Drs. Doug Nowacek and Brandon
Southall, I would like to draw your attention to the announcement of a Special
Issue in Endangered Species Research - "21st Century Paradigms for Measuring
and Managing the Effects of Anthropogenic Ocean Noise." A short description of
the issue is given below, and more details on submissions for the Special Issue
and Endangered Species Research generally are available at:
http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/esr-specials/21st-century-paradigms-for-measuring-and-managing-the-effects-of-anthropogenic-ocean-noise
21st Century Paradigms for Measuring and Managing the Effects of Anthropogenic
Ocean Noise
Anthropogenic noise in the ocean has received considerable attention in recent
years. Observational and manipulative experiments have provided insights into
impacts of noise on animals as well as, in some cases, a lack of effects. The
study of anthropogenic noise in the ocean has matured considerably, in part due
to lessons learned and new tools developed for assessing similar issues in
terrestrial systems (some illustrative examples of which we propose including).
In considering the recent progress in this rapidly expanding field, this issue
will highlight studies that explore both the increasing understanding of
effects of noise on animals and some of the practical and regulatory human
dimensions of this subject. The study of potential effects on animals has
matured experimentally and theoretically, with careful experiments addressing
specific questions and emerging issues related to the development of new areas
and new industries. Furthermore, advances in sophisticated modelling methods of
sound footprints and noise exposure over increasingly large spatio-temporal
areas are facilitating the advancement of theory. Our appreciation of the human
dimension of this issue has also developed, with practical considerations for
the application of emerging science in regulatory policy. Many of these
realizations that will be explored within the special issue involve a
broadening of the taxonomic and ecological scope of potential effects, as well
as synoptic measurements and assessment of non-traditional variables (e.g.,
noise exposure context). This Theme Section fits squarely within ESR’s mission
to provide knowledge needed for practicing human stewardship, in this case
stewardship of the oceans. And while not all of the species proposed for
discussion are threatened or endangered, the marine habitat is threatened and
thus so are the creatures that exist and rely on it. We envision this Theme
Section to inform regional, national and international conservation strategies
aimed at understanding and managing anthropogenic noise in the ocean. Through
various fora, stakeholders in this issue include: noise producers, regulators,
conservation organizations, academic and private sector scientists, and society
at large. This issue will attempt to encapsulate issues relevant to all of
these stakeholders within the overall context of science and management of
ocean noise.
Best,
Wendy Dow Piniak
Wendy Dow Piniak
Visiting Assistant Professor
Department of Environmental Studies
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, PA 17325
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