The Joint ACCOBAMS-ASCOBANS Workshop on Underwater Noise and Cetaceans, which took place from 26 to 27 November 2024 in Toulon, France, brought together 30 representatives from national Navies or navy-adjacent research institutions, NATO, and invited cetacean experts. Hosted by the Préfecture maritime de la Méditerranée, this workshop was the result of ongoing efforts by the ACCOBAMS and ASCOBANS Agreements, focusing on the conservation of cetaceans.

The main objectives of the workshop were to facilitate the exchange of best practices, promote collaboration between the parties involved, and establish steps towards improving information sharing.

The workshop’s sessions were organized around several core topics. One significant area of focus was the use of sonar its impact on cetaceans. Military sonar systems are known to produce intense underwater noise, which can disrupt cetacean communication, navigation, and feeding behaviors, potentially leading to strandings or even death. Another critical issue discussed was the management of UXO removal and detonation activities. The loud noise produced by these activities can disturb marine life, particularly species sensitive to sound, such as whales and dolphins. Mitigation measures to reduce these impacts were explored. 

As the workshop concluded, participants worked to identify concrete recommendations and next steps to further enhance collaboration. The two Agreements, ACCOBAMS and ASCOBANS, reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation in order to ensure the future conservation of cetaceans and their habitats.

The report of the workshop will be posted on the ACCOBAMS and ASCOBANS websites in due course.