WWF/CCU Submission to the Arctic Shipping Best Practices Informatiom Forum.

Abstract

The Arctic is experiencing profound environmental changes, including a rapid decline in sea ice extent, thickness, and duration. Coupled with development pressures and other human uses, these changes have facilitated the increase of vessel traffic in Arctic waters, a trend that is expected to continue. Vessel traffic in remote and challenging Arctic waters poses substantial safety and environmental risks, including possible impacts on cultural practices and the food security of Arctic indigenous peoples. Key threats vessel traffic poses to Arctic people and the environment include the adverse impacts of underwater noise, oil spills, pollution and discharges, introduction of invasive species, air emissions, and disturbance of ice habitat. Maintaining the ecological integrity of this region while ensuring essential goods and development reach people in the north can be accomplished with the implementation of realistic regulations and best practices. WWF and CCU, as observers to the Arctic Council, and in consultation with other stakeholders, are pleased to provide our initial views to contribute to the discussion of how to promote and ensure safe and responsible shipping in the Arctic and Antarctic. An overview, examples of regulation or best practices, recommendations, and resources are outlined for the following issues, in no particular order: • Polar Code: Reducing disturbance on marine mammals • Discharge of Sewage and Grey Water • Underwater Noise • Vessel Traffic and Monitoring • Routing Measures and Low Impact Corridors • Use of Heavy Fuel Oil • Air Emissions • Invasive Species • Ice Operations and the Protection of Ice Habitat