Achieving underwater noise regulation through an ecosystem-based approach: the “Mediterranean strategy on Underwater Noise Monitoring”.

The Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention are considering the issue of underwater noise pollution under the ongoing implementation of the Ecosystems Approach process (EcAp, Decision 17/6). In order to assess the environmental status of the Mediterranean, eleven Ecological Objectives (EOs), and respective operational objectives and indicators have been agreed through Decision 20/4 during the 17th Meeting of Contracting Parties (COP 17). In line with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive of the European Union (2008/56/EC), the overarching principle of the EcAp is the achievement of the Good Environmental Status (GES). According to the definition contained in the Decision 20/4, GES related to EO11 is achieved when noise from human activities causes no significant impact on marine and coastal ecosystems. In this context, the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the contiguous Atlantic area (ACCOBAMS), in accordance with the Secretariat of the UNEP/MAP, launched a study to develop a basin-wide strategy for underwater noise monitoring in the Mediterranean. The present paper outlines the main elements of the Mediterranean strategy on underwater noise monitoring.