Managing anthropogenic underwater noise in the Northwest Territories, Canada.

Potential impacts on aquatic life associated with anthropogenic underwater noise are an emerging concern worldwide (Popper et al. 2005). In the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, there has been an increased interest in natural resources development and the potential for impacts to both marine and freshwater areas. Fish (including marine mammals and other aquatic life) and their habitats are managed by Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) under the federal Fisheries Act and the Oceans Act. The DFO reviews project proposals, assesses potential impacts, provides scientific and regulatory advice based on the current state of knowledge, identifies existing data gaps, and initiates steps to address them. If residual impacts are expected with mitigative measures in place, the DFO is able to account for and authorize impacts under the Fisheries Act. Here we identify the types of noise-related impacts that are pertinent to the species and industry activities in the NWT and how these concerns are being addressed by the DFO.