Displaying items by tag: Anthropogenic Noise

23rd April 2012

GMIT Joins Study of Effects of Ocean Noise on Ireland's Marine Mammals

#MARINE WILDLIFE - Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) has recently teamed up with the Technical University of Catalonia in Spain, the Marine Institute and Biospheric Engineering Ltd to begin a project studying ocean noise in Irish waters.

Anthropogenic noise, or noise generated by human effect such as industry, is now recognised as a significant pollutant in the marine environment and there is particular concern of the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine wildlife.

Cetaceans in particular have a highly developed auditory system and use sound actively for orientation, feeding and communication.

As part of this project, an approximate disturbance area for baleen whales will be estimated, helping to fulfil requirements under the EU Habitats Directive for marine mammals.

This work, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency serves to inform management on how to meet requirements under MSFD and provide recommendations on cost-effective monitoring schemes vital for the future protection of our seas.

For more information on ocean noise and this project visit www.monitoringoceannoise.com or contact [email protected]

Published in Marine Wildlife

Tagged under

About the Watersports Inclusion Games

The Watersports Inclusion Games are an award-winning event organised by Irish Sailing with partners from across the watersports sector, that enable people of all abilities from the physical, sensory, intellectual and learning spectrums to take to the water to participate in a wide range of water activities.

More than 250 people with physical, sensory, intellectual and learning disabilities typically take part in the weekend's events.

Participants will have the opportunity to try more sports than ever before, with an expanded range including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, rowing, surfing, water skiing and powerboating all on offer.

The Games typically take place each August.

The organisers of the Games want to let people of all abilities know that there are multiple watersports available to them, and to encourage more people from all backgrounds to get involved and out on the water regardless of ability. They aim to highlight that any barriers faced by people with disabilities can be eliminated.

There are social, health and wellness benefits associated with sailing and all watersports. These include improved muscle strength and endurance, improved cardiovascular fitness and increased agility, enhanced spatial awareness, greater mental wellness through the balancing of serotonin levels and the lowering of stress levels, improved concentration and the forging of positive relationships.