Legal Issues Concerning the Impact of Anthropogenic Underwater Noise in the Marine Environment

• Main Authors: Yen-Chiang Chang, Xu Zhang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-04-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: anthropogenic underwater noise; marine environment; precautionary principle; departmental law-making
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/9/4612

Anthropogenic underwater noise has an adverse effect on the marine environment. Therefore, it is of essential importance to establish the problem consciousness regarding this issue and then regulate it by the application of laws. In order to achieve the aim of protecting the marine environment through solving the problem of anthropogenic underwater noise, this article will comb through the existing domestic legislation and international agreements for potential solutions. At the same time, lessons can be drawn from major developed countries in order to lay down the rules which can in turn improve the law-making procedure in dealing with anthropogenic underwater noise. In brief, restricting underwater noise is indispensable from the joint efforts of the international community. To solve the noise problem, it is deemed necessary to clarify the precautionary principle, make full use of the existing legal framework, and promote targeted law-making more effectively through different channels and mechanisms. Moreover, adopting government supervision as a necessary guarantee can also help to hit the target. Meanwhile, paying close attention to science and technology progress is also vital for solving anthropogenic underwater noise issues.