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Marine biologists in Australia recommend noise thresholds for whale watching tourist boats.
Marine biologists in Australia published research on the impact of noise from whale watching tourist boats on whales.
Whale watching connects people with marine life and provides tourist income.
Whales rely on hearing and sounds to communicate, navigate, feed and detect predators.
Previous research showed noise from tourist boats reduced resting time in whales.
This new work found that noise from boats at 300 metres reduced resting time.
Researchers are recommending guidelines on engine noise.
Many countries already have guidelines on minimum distance, passing speed, and approach angle for boats.
The full paper is titled "Effects of whale-watching activities on southern right whales in Encounter Bay, South Australia - ScienceDirect"
External resources
Marine biologists in Australia have published the results of research into the impact of noise from whale watching tourist boats on whales. Whale watching is a popular tourist activity around the world, connecting people with marine life and providing tourist income. However, whales and dolphins rely on hearing and sounds to communicate, navigate, feed and detect predators - and boats make noise. Previous work referenced by this research shows noise from tourist boats reducing resting time in whales. This new work also found that noise from boats at 300 metres reduced resting time. The researchers are recommending guidelines on engine noise are added to those that many countries already have on minimum distance from animals, passing speed and approach angle for boats.
More on the research: Whale-watching guidelines don't include boat noise. It's time they did (theconversation.com)
Full paper: Effects of whale-watching activities on southern right whales in Encounter Bay, South Australia - ScienceDirect
The Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure (DfI) have consulted on their round 4 Road Noise Action Plan covering 2023 – 28.
Government response to the Environmental Audit Committee Inquiry into Airport Expansion and Climate and nature targets noise recommendations
Considerations of noise and soundscape are embedded in the Natural Resources Wales State of Natural Resources Report 2025.
Outcome of Welsh Government consultation on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps.
A report commissioned by the Department for Business and Industrial Strategy to look at assessment of noise from onshore wind farms is now published.
The Welsh Government are consulting on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps(ASHP).
The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.
As part of their ongoing enquiry into the impact of airport expansion on climate and nature targets, the Environmental Audit Committee will be taking oral evidence tomorrow - Wednesday May 14th.
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