Month: August 2025

Our Stance

Here at Maersk, we understand that sustainability and environmental safety is just as important underwater, as it is above. More specifically, underwater noise pollution has become an increased threat to marine life. We believe it is our duty here at Maersk, to lead by example and make conscious efforts to reduce noise pollution within the industry of maritime transportation.

Latest Information

Durate et al. (2021), explains that the soundscape of the Anthropocene Ocean has changed from that of what it was during preindustrial times, and noise pollution has since begun to negatively impact marine life. Activities such as pile driving, sonar, maritime traffic, mining, and many more have shown to cause great disturbances to underwater ecosystems and life. Below is figure 1 showing projects that have been conducted to research underwater sound.

Figure 1: International projects that have conducted research on underwater noise (Rako-Gospic & Picciulin, 2023).

Evidence

Moretti and Affatati (2023), go on to explain how acoustic environment is cemented in the marine adaptations and ecological connections that have become vital for the health of the planet and the ecosystem itself. Problems such as reproduction, feeding, navigation, stress, and communication disruption have directly affected marine life from noise pollution. According to El-Dairi et al. (2024), Anthropogenic noise has also caused behavioral changes that have been seen to disrupt normal marine life activities or displace them from their natural habitats.

Taking Action

Maersk has investigated ways that we can help lower noise pollution, and we hope that our steps will be followed by others. Where we plan to start aligns with research from Chou et al. (2021), where it is discussed to reroute vessels and limit noise-generating activity in specific areas and during times in which there are large populations of animals (such as breeding and feeding areas). According to Rako-Gospic & Picciulin, (2023), as we move forward, although noise management has not become a mandate throughout the world, many of the necessary steps are in place.

It Starts Now

Maersk has a mission to do whatever is necessary to mitigate underwater noise pollution in maritime transportation. We look to do our part knowing that it is the right thing to do, and in the process we hope to encourage others to look out and draw considerations on to marine life in the Anthropocene World.

References:

Chou, E., Southall, B. L., Robards, M., and Rosenbaum, H. C. (2021). “International policy, recommendations, actions and mitigation efforts of Anthropogenic Underwater Noise.” Ocean & Coastal Management, 202, 105427.

Duarte, C. M., Chapuis, L., Collin, S. P., Costa, D. P., Devassy, R. P., Eguiluz, V. M., Erbe, C., Gordon, T. A., Halpern, B. S., Harding, H. R., Havlik, M. N., Meekan, M., Merchant, N. D., Miksis-Olds, J. L., Parsons, M., Predragovic, M., Radford, A. N., Radford, C. A., Simpson, S. D., Slabbekoorn, H., Staaterman, E., Van Opzeeland, I. C., Winderen, J., Zhang, X., and Juanes, F. (2021). “The soundscape of the Anthropocene Ocean.” Science, 371(6529).

El-Dairi, R., Outinen, O., and Kankaanpää, H. (2024). “Anthropogenic underwater noise: A review on physiological and molecular responses of Marine Biota.” Marine Pollution Bulletin, 199, 115978.

Moretti, P. F., and Affatati, A. (2023). “Understanding the impact of underwater noise to preserve marine ecosystems and manage anthropogenic activities.” Sustainability, 15(13), 10178.

Rako-Gospic, N., and Picciulin, M. (2023). “Addressing underwater noise: Joint efforts and progress on its Global Governance.” Advances in Marine Biology, 201–232.

HABs

Oceans, coasts, and the people who live there are more and more at risk from HABs or harmful algal blooms. HABs are toxins, such as domoic acid, that originate from specific algae such as Pseudo-nitzschia. As these toxins are projected to only increase in both intensity and frequency due to climate change, stated by Jin et al. (2024), it is necessary to implement proactive management.

Cause

Fisheries (2025), an article by NOAA explains that, Pseudo-nitzschia produces the harmful toxin domoic acid that can be found in fish and shellfish. These harmful toxins prosper under conditions consisting of warm ocean temperatures, saltier freshwater, and nutrient pollution which correlates with HAB spikes as written by Oh et al. (2023). With the increasing climate, these conditions will only continue to intensify, and Oregon is sure to see HAB breakouts in the summer.

Effect

Breakouts of HABs affect not only the fish, but the industries and the communities around them. Stated by Anderson et al. (2021), in 2005 Maine had loss revenues of 2.4 million dollars and Massachusetts had a loss revenue of 16-18 million dollars because of HABs affecting commercial fisheries. Breakouts can cause fisheries to close, and people end up losing their jobs. The effects of eating fish and shellfish that include domoic acid can leave people with nausea and sometimes even seizures.

Mitigation

To keep communities from falling ill due to marine HABs, people can monitor informational sites such as Oregon Health Authority (link down below) that give out current cyanobacteria advisories. It is also important to educate and regularly engage in conversations to keep the issue relevant to the public. As shown in figure 1, Moore et al. (2024) used publications in order to analyze the effects of humans and in doing so helps to educate others.

Link to Oregon Health Authority: Oregon Health Authority : Current Cyanobacteria Advisories : Cyanobacteria Blooms : State of Oregon

Figure 1: Publications included in the analysis of HAB effects on the well-being of Human on the US West Coast fishing communities.

Together

Coastal Oregon communities are increasingly at risk of HABs. With monitoring and community involvement, we can help limit and preserve the public health and protect fisheries from the damage that comes from these breakouts. As Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success”.

References:

Anderson, D. M., Fensin, E., Gobler, C. J., Hoeglund, A. E., Hubbard, K. A., Kulis, D. M., Landsberg, J. H., Lefebvre, K. A., Provoost, P., Richlen, M. L., Smith, J. L., Solow, A. R., and Trainer, V. L. (2021). “Marine harmful algal blooms (habs) in the United States: History, current status and future trends.” Harmful Algae, 102, 101975.

Fisheries, N. (2025). “Effects of harmful algal blooms on West Coast fishing communities.” NOAA, <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/effects-harmful-algal-blooms-west-coast-fishing-communities> (Aug. 10, 2025).

Jin, D., Kourantidou, M., Weir, M. J., and Horstmann, I. (2024). “Assessing the value of harmful algal bloom forecasts in the Pacific Northwest.” ICES Journal of Marine Science, 81(9), 1796–1816.

Oh, J.-W., Pushparaj, S. S., Muthu, M., and Gopal, J. (2023). “Review of harmful algal blooms (habs) causing marine fish kills: Toxicity and mitigation.” Plants, 12(23), 3936.

Moore, S. K., Broadwater, M., Cha, C., Dortch, Q., Harvey, C. J., Norman, K. C., Pearce, J., Pomeroy, C., and Samhouri, J. F. (2024). “Exploring the human dimensions of harmful algal blooms through a well-being framework to increase resilience in a Changing World.” PLOS Climate, 3(5).

Anthropocene

Anthropocene is the term used to refer to the current time in geology in which humans have had a dominating influence on the climate and the environment. The big question we look at during this time is how ecology is affected. More specifically today we ask the question whether coral reefs can survive during this time and what their future looks like.

Can They Survive?

It is known that coral reefs have underwent rapid degeneration over the years from both humans and climate change. According to Edwards eat al. (2024), coral reef ecosystems will continue to decline unless greenhouse gases are reduced and strategies are put into place to assist with adaptation. In addition, Jury et al. (2024) supports these claims stating that if climate change is limited to Paris Climate Agreement targets, coral reefs do have the chance of surviving. Coral reefs can survive in the Anthropocene, but what does this future look like under these claims?

How do They Survive?

It starts with being realistic about where society is at and how to go about helping. Stated by Quigley et al. (2022), not all areas can and should be restored. Quigley goes on to state in the article that focuses should be directed towards protecting existing reefs, using resilient coral species, and boosting biodiversity. There is no time to wait. Acting promptly and intentionally is key for coral reef survival. Bowden-Kerby (2022) claims that in the next 25 years the time for action and persistent effort is closing and by 2050, it will be too late. The time to start was long before, but we can still see a future with coral reefs if we act accordingly. Charo, B (2023) explains that through simulation they have found the two 2 key takeaways to help ensure survival include, genetic variability among coral reefs and the urgency to reduce human emissions. Complementary to this, Paxton et al. (2024) explains how dialogue with affected communities is needed to help imagine the building of ecosystem resilience.

Ready, Set, Go!

Coral reefs can be part of our future for years to come, but it all starts with the amount of time and effort we put in starting now. “How you do anything is how you do everything” -unknown.

References:

Bowden-Kerby, A. (2022). “Coral-focused climate change adaptation and restoration based on accelerating natural processes: Launching the ‘Reefs of hope’ paradigm.” Oceans, 4(1), 13–26.

Charo, B. (2023). “Coral reefs can adapt to climate change – here’s how .” Coral Reef Alliance, <https://coral.org/en/blog/coral-reefs-can-adapt-to-climate-change-heres-how/> (Aug. 3, 2025).

Edwards, A., Guest, J., and Humanes, A. (2024). “Rehabilitating coral reefs in the anthropocene.” Current Biology, 34(9).

Jury, C. P., Bahr, K. D., Cros, A., Dobson, K. L., Freel, E. B., Graham, A. T., McLachlan, R. H., Nelson, C. E., Price, J. T., Rocha de Souza, M., Shizuru, L., Smith, C. M., Sparagon, W. J., Squair, C. A., Timmers, M. A., Vicente, J., Webb, M. K., Yamase, N. H., Grottoli, A. G., and Toonen, R. J. (2024). “Experimental coral reef communities transform yet persist under mitigated future ocean warming and acidification.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(45).

Paxton, G., Lockie, S., and Backhaus, V. (2024). “Articulating futures: Community storylines and assisted ecosystem adaptation in the Great Barrier Reef.” Environmental Science &amp; Policy, 162, 103944.

Quigley, K. M., Hein, M., and Suggett, D. J. (2022). “Translating the 10 golden rules of reforestation for Coral Reef Restoration.” Conservation Biology, 36(4).

Un-recognized

There is currently a lack of recognition when looking at the contribution that is made from women in field of small-scale fisheries along coastal regions. According to Haper et al. (2020) Gender considerations continue to be understated in fishery policies and management worldwide. With women being an essential component to this field of work, the money from donors should go to help support women in these roles.

Women Deserve Investment

Gender inequalities are prevalent in small scale fisheries, as men tend to hold positions that are linked with decision making, according to Lawless et al (2022). Lawless et al (2022) also goes on to explain, that when small scale fisheries priorities are positioned towards ecology, gender is instrumental. With the help of donor funding, initiatives that foster agency and dispute systematic bias will help encourage women in the fishery industry. Stated by Aurthur et al. (2021) more than 50 percent of fish caught in thew world is being caught by small scale fisheries, and from that around 90 percent is consumed locally. Within these fisheries, women play a critical role in assisting with needed nutrition and the effects and adaptations stemming from climate change.

How do the Funds Help

Galappaththi et al. (2022) states that women make up roughly 40 percent of the small-scale fishery workforce and depend on coastal and marine resources for their livelihood. So how can donor funds truly help women? Donor funds can be to run and teach gender inclusive training and leadership programs; they can be used to help provide women with needed technology and infrastructure and can even be used to collect more data to showcase women’s contribution within the industry. Lastly, these funds can aide women establish a voice in management and policies.

Future of Fish

Buck S. (2024) writes about how many women in costal fishing communities often start their day before sunrise and end them much after sundown. Their labor comes at a cost that is not being recognized. By helping to strengthen the voice of women and their opportunity to be in decision-making roles, will help to promise healthy fish for generation to come.

References

Arthur, R. I., Skerritt, D. J., Schuhbauer, A., Ebrahim, N., Friend, R. M., and Sumaila, U. R. (2021). “Small‐scale fisheries and local food systems: Transformations, threats and opportunities.” Fish and Fisheries, 23(1), 109–124.

Buck, S. (2024). “Strengthening women’s voices in small-scale fisheries.” Rare, <https://rare.org/stories-articles/the-unseen-women-of-small-scale-fisheries> (Aug. 3, 2025).

Galappaththi, M., Armitage, D., and Collins, A. M. (2022). “Women’s experiences in influencing and shaping small‐scale fisheries governance.” Fish and Fisheries, 23(5), 1099–1120.

Harper, S., Adshade, M., Lam, V. W., Pauly, D., and Sumaila, U. R. (2020). “Valuing invisible catches: Estimating the global contribution by women to small-scale marine capture fisheries production.” PLOS ONE, 15(3).

Lawless, S., Cohen, P. J., McDougall, C., Mangubhai, S., Song, A. M., and Morrison, T. H. (2022). “Tinker, tailor or transform: Gender equality amidst social-ecological change.” Global Environmental Change, 72, 102434.