NOAA´s Ocean Acoustics Program: supporting science, management, and public education

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Acoustics Program was created in 1998 in response to emerging issues concerning underwater sound and potential effects on protected marine species. The Acoustics Program initially provided technical expertise on acoustics supporting management and policy decisions related to NOAA´s mandates under several federal statutes [Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972 and Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973]. While the Acoustics Program continues to interpret scientific knowledge on rapidly expanding marine acoustic issues for managers and policymakers, it has expanded to begin addressing NOAA´s information needs in this nascent field. This paper briefly describes the Acoustic Program´s present and future functions, collaborations within NOAA and other entities, and efforts aimed at enhancing public understanding of complex marine acoustic issues. NOAA´s Acoustics Program is deeply engaged in scientific, management, and public education/outreach aspects of marine acoustics issues, both domestically and internationally