High North News: IMO Updates Guidelines on Noise Pollution, But No Mandatory Rules for the Arctic

The International Maritime Organization took incremental steps to protecting marine environments, including in the Arctic, from noise pollution. The voluntary measures, however, do not go far enough, say environmental groups and the Inuit Circumpolar Council, especially for the Arctic Ocean’s sensitive ecosystem.
Lloyds List: IMO makes progress on underwater noise but more action needed, environmental groups say

Shipping body’s sub-committee on ship design and construction completes draft guidelines to curb underwater noise pollution
SDC9: Progress on Shipping’s Underwater Noise Impact Welcomed, But IMO Falls Short of Immediate Action

The Clean Arctic Alliance today welcomed progress made this week by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address the impact of underwater noise from ships on marine wildlife, but warned that further delay in the development of an action program clearly setting out next steps – including compulsory measures – will prevent significant action that would decrease vessel noise in our oceans
The Guardian: Inuit warn of ‘rock concert-like’ noise from ships affecting Arctic wildlife

Sarah Bobbe, Arctic program manager at Ocean Conservancy, urged the IMO to act. “In addition to global measures, even more stringent regional measures to reduce acoustic pollution from vessels in areas such as the Arctic will be necessary,” she said.
SDC9: NGOS Call on UN Shipping Body Reduce to Underwater Noise Impact on Marine Life

The IMO must this week agree on an effective program of action and next steps to mitigate underwater noise from ships
Letter to Swedish EU Presidency on EU Council Plans to remove black carbon emissions in review clause of Fuel EU Maritime Regulation

We are dismayed by the news that the Swedish Presidency has removed any reference to including ship black carbon emissions in the review clause of the Fuel EU Maritime Regulation currently being finalised in trilogue negotiations.