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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The joint GFCM/OceanCare Workshop on Anthropogenic Underwater Noise and impacts on fish, invertebrates and fish resources (WKNOISE) was held at FAO Headquarters in Rome (Italy) on 21-22 February 2019. The main objectives of the workshop were to: i) review reported anthropogenic underwater noise effects on fish and invertebrates; ii) identify areas in the GFCM area of application where fishing is restricted but other human activities, in particular anthropogenic underwater noise, could impact fish stocks with respective socio-economic consequences; iii) address the prevention of these impacts on fish and its prey, including through Environmental Impact Assessments; iv) discuss recent developments within UNCLOS in connection with transboundary pollution in the high seas; v) address the relevance of anthropogenic underwater noise in the context of a study on socio-economic impacts on Mediterranean fish stocks. During the meeting, several studies were presented as well as regional experiences relevant to the topic of the workshop. On the basis of the information provided, the discussions focused on diverse issues such as noise hot spots and species distribution, possible impacts of anthropogenic underwater noise in GFCM fisheries restricted areas (FRAs) and current conflicts between different human activities at sea, including fisheries. Recommendations for the GFCM to address anthropogenic underwater noise were adopted by the workshop.