During a joint side event at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice (June 9-13, 2025), South Africa and Costa Rica showcased their national efforts and shared valuable lessons in tackling two significant environmental challenges posed by shipping: underwater radiated noise (URN) and marine plastic pollution. Both countries are receiving crucial support from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in these endeavors.
Underwater Noise
Ms. Mbalenhle Simphiwe Golding, Acting CEO of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating threat posed by increasing maritime traffic to South Africa’s rich marine biodiversity.
Golding highlighted a direct correlation between rising shipping activity and severe ecological impacts: “The increase of shipping traffic has been strongly correlated with a 70% decline in the population of the African penguins. It has also affected our commercial fish such as yellowfin tuna and hake.” She emphasized the broader societal implications, stating, “When our commercial fish is affected, it affects our food security and our ability to thrive as a nation.”
A key factor in this environmental degradation is Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) from ships. URN disrupts vital behaviors in marine life, including communication, navigation, foraging, and reproduction. Recognizing this growing concern, South Africa recently hosted the first-ever regional workshop on URN, supported by the IMO’s GloNoise Partnership, bringing together representatives from 21 countries to address the issue collaboratively.
South Africa is also taking concrete steps domestically to mitigate these impacts:
- The country has launched its first environmental impact assessment specifically focused on ship noise in Algoa Bay, with ambitious plans to expand this nationally to gather crucial baseline data for future policy development.
- Furthermore, South Africa has introduced draft regulations for the environmental management of offshore bunkering, identifying it as a major contributor to underwater noise pollution.
- To encourage the adoption of quieter technologies, the government aims to support shipowners who wish to implement low-noise technologies but are deterred by high costs by exploring various financing options for them.
Action Against Plastic
Costa Rica is making significant strides in its efforts to combat marine plastic pollution, largely through its participation in the IMO’s OceanLitter Programme, jointly implemented by the IMO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
A key initiative in the country involves establishing a fishing gear reception facility along its South Pacific coastline to collect discarded fishing gear and other marine litter. This innovative partnership brings together the National Coast Guard for collection and a private recycling company that will transform the discarded plastic into reusable materials like benches and tables, promoting a circular economy approach.
Ms. Paola Acuña Chacón, Legal Advisor at Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport, highlighted the importance of awareness: “We are really eager to raise awareness with the fishers, tour operators, coastal communities about IMO conventions such as MARPOL as well as FAO’s voluntary guidance on the marking of fishing gear.”
The global scale of the problem is substantial, with an estimated 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear lost or abandoned annually, accounting for approximately 10% of all ocean plastic. In response, Costa Rica is taking a leadership role by developing a Regional Action Plan covering five Central American countries to comprehensively address marine plastic litter. This plan includes the establishment of a circular economy project designed to generate income for women in coastal areas through recycling, alongside other efforts aimed at fostering a healthy ocean.
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Source: IMO
