TT Hosts Workshop on Underwater Noise Pollution with International Facilitators

The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) is currently hosting the GloNoise Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) Toolkit Introduction Training Workshop, a national stakeholder engagement initiative, delivered in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Maritime Services Division of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

This two-day workshop brings together key national stakeholders and featured facilitators from Brazil and Portugal, who provided technical guidance and share global best practice in addressing underwater noise pollution from shipping activities.

Participants will be introduced to the URN Assessment Toolkit, an interactive online learning platform and knowledge hub designed to support the understanding, assessment, and management of underwater noise pollution, with a focus on mitigating the environmental impact on marine ecosystems.

Welcoming participants, Professor Rean Maharaj, President (Ag), UTT, highlighted the national importance of this initiative. He stated, “Trinidad and Tobago’s designation as a lead pilot country – the only one in the Caribbean - is both a recognition of our capability, and a responsibility we must take seriously”. He added that the success of this initiative will depend on how effectively knowledge is translated into action.

Ms Sevtap Ozdogan, Project Manager for GLONOISE, International Maritime Organization, in her online presentation, stated that meeting the sustainable ocean agenda, and protecting diverse marine environment requires collective and global effort. She also remarked that partnerships such as this which has facilitated the ongoing event, are necessary for advancing sustainable maritime development, a sentiment echoed by Lieutenant Commander Ronald Alfred, Director, Maritime Services Division of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

The workshop provides a platform for national dialogue on existing policies and the development of coordinated strategies for underwater noise management in Trinidad and Tobago. Discussions also explored how international frameworks and tools can be adapted to the local context while strengthening technical capacity among national stakeholders.

Through the hosting of workshops such as this, UTT continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation, applied research and sustainable national development. The University of Trinidad and Tobago expresses sincere appreciation to international and local partners for their continued support in advancing efforts to address underwater noise pollution and protect marine ecosystems.

Professor Rean Maharaj, President (Ag), UTT (centre), with (l-r) Marcos Souza, Underwater Acoustics Lead, Blue Oasis; Lieutenant Commander Ronald Alfred, Director, Maritime Services Division, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure; Dr Reia Guppy, Project Lead, Associate Professor and Programme Leader, Marine Sciences, UTT; and Maria Apolonia, Senior Consultant, Aquatera, at the Opening Ceremony for the GloNoise Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) Toolkit Introduction Training Workshop at UTT Chaguaramas Campus.