Underwater Noise in the Canadian Arctic

The UNM³-CA project

Eclipse Sound, located in the northeastern Canadian Arctic, is an important marine area for species such as narwhal and beluga, which rely heavily on sound for communication, navigation,and foraging. As vessel traffic in the region has increased, concerns have grown about how underwater noise may affect marine wildlife and the communities that depend on healthy marine ecosystems.​

To better understand and address these impacts, AECO has participated in a collaborative research project focused on measuring and mapping underwater noise in Eclipse Sound. The project is carried out in partnership with Oceans North, the University of California San Diego, and the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization, with support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.​

The research focuses on collecting ship‑specific noise measurements under different operating conditions and developing predictive noise maps that show how vessel activity contributes to the underwater soundscape. Results demonstrate that operational decisions—such as routing, timing, speed, and vessel characteristics—play an important role in shaping noise levels across space and time, and in how these noise patterns overlap with important marine habitat.​

A key feature of the Eclipse Sound project is its community‑driven approach. Inuit knowledge and local priorities are integrated into project design, ensuring that research questions, methods, and outcomes are relevant, accessible, and meaningful to those most directly affected by changes in the marine environment.​

Key Results

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