Panic, stress, hearing damage and communication problems are just a few of the risks faced by Greenland's whales and seals as a result of increased shipping.

 

 

Noise from shipping traffic is a threat to the Arctic's marine mammals, decreasing their ability to find food, orient themselves and communicate underwater. Intense noise can induce panic and chronic stress, and even hearing damage.

 

• ships be prohibited in the most vulnerable areas, and during the seasons where marine mammals are most vulnerable;
• ships slow down to reduce noise;                      
• environmental assessments better describe the consequences of shipping to and from a mine project;
• ships make use of a new poster that helps mariners avoid marine mammals.

Some of the recent increase in shipping is due to the Canadian Baffinland mine project in Nunavut, but more development is on the horizon. 

 

This month, WWF held public meetings on the Baffinland mine in four Greenlandic communities.