International regulation of underwater sound

Underwater sound is created by myriad activities worldwide and there is general agreement that manmade noise in the ocean is increasing. This rise in anthropogenic sound in the ocean has generated concern that it is affecting marine mammal behavior and could affect humans as well. Controversy over underwater sound and its effects on marine mammals has generated much discussion within the marine community. Future regulation that restricts the use of sonar could have enormous impact on naval operations, scientific research, oil exploration, fishing and aquaculture. The creation of noise as a by-product of other activities indicates that even shipping, recreational boating, and airlines could be impacted by this issue. Presently there is a lack of coherent policy framework for evaluating the environmental impacts of underwater noise pollution. There are no international treaties or laws that specifically address the operations of sonars or transmission of sound in territorial waters or the high seas. The issue of underwater sound is examined in a global context and the extent to which the international legal and environmental community has addressed it is discussed. Additionally, recommendations are made for the development of appropriate policy regarding the use of sound in the ocean