Session Description
The introduction of sound or alteration of a soundscape, whether underwater, on land, or as perceived by communities, is among the most consequential yet least understood stressors addressed in environmental impact assessment. Despite decades of regulatory attention, practitioner and public understanding of what constitutes a meaningful biological or social impact from sound often diverges from the current scientific evidence base. Structured as an interactive hybrid of expert panel and real-time audience polling, the session opens with a short series of live polling statements for each of three thematic rounds: underwater acoustics, terrestrial acoustics, and societal acoustics. Polls will be tallied and displayed via Mentimeter or an equivalent platform, probing participants' baseline knowledge and perceptions of acoustic effects, thresholds, and assessment methods. Aggregated results are displayed to the room in real time. A subject-matter panelist then delivers an evidence-based overview addressing where audience perceptions align with, or diverge from, current science and regulatory practice, including recent shifts in exposure criteria, cumulative and behavioral-effects frameworks, and international regulatory trends. For example, posing “what sound source was shown to affect hermit crab shell selection?” would tie into a discussion about acoustic assessment status for invertebrates incorporating audience poll answers. This format is designed to generate a fun, data-driven snapshot of practitioner knowledge across acoustic disciplines, and identify where the impact assessment community most needs updated guidance, training, or research investment.
Session Summary
This interactive panel combines real-time Mentimeter polling with expert commentary across underwater, terrestrial, and societal acoustics. Each round polls audience knowledge and perceptions; a panelist then presents current evidence and regulatory context; facilitating discussion about acoustic impact assessment practice.
Additional Information
Acosutic assessment is rapidly evolving, yet few standards exist and this is an opportunity to have a fun, yet meaningful discussion with fellow practitioners. This could fall into several of the conference streams.
Session Chair
Mary Jo Barkaszi
CSA Ocean Sciences
United States