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 Acropora palmata thicket on Mona Island, Puerto Rico. Andy Bruckner, 1996Coho salmon painting, Canadian Dept of Fisheries and OceansMonk seal, C.E. BowlbyHumpback whale, Dr. Lou Herman
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2004 International Symposium: "Shipping Noise and Marine Mammals"

Overview
It is generally believed that a large portion of acoustic energy introduced by humans into many parts of the oceans results from the operation of large commercial vessels. However, the effects of this human sound source on marine animals remarkably have not yet been broadly considered. In response to the clear need to better understand this emerging issue and forge new partnerships by which to handle it in the future, NOAA Fisheries Acoustics Program, with the cooperation of a number of governmental and industry co-partners, organized and hosted the first international symposium on this issue. This meeting brought together leading biologists, acousticians, maritime engineers, vessel owners and operators, and various government agencies for an introduction to the subject and discussions of future actions. The official website of the symposium, given below, contains the statement of purpose, meeting agenda, presentation abstracts, full copies of the presentations given in the meeting, and more! A report from the symposium is currently being drafted and will be available both here and on the symposium website once completed. An ad hoc planning committee consisting of representatives from various industries, conservation organizations, academic research organizations, and government agencies has been formed to guide future developments in this emerging environmental issue.

2004 Report
Shipping Noise and Marine Mammals: A Forum for Science, Management and Technology [pdf] [608 KB], 18-19 May 2004, Arlington, VA

2004 Symposium Co-Partners
NOAA Fisheries Acoustics Program
Marine Mammal Commission
U.S. Navy
American Bureau of Shipping This link is an external site.
Chamber of Shipping of America This link is an external site.
INTERTANKO This link is an external site.
Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers This link is an external site.
University of Alaska Marine Advisory Program This link is an external site.

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