In early 2005, nine companies formed a JIP with the goal of systematically surveying existing knowledge gaps about underwater sound and its effects on animals. This effort, known as JIP Phase 1, conducted a review of knowledge gaps, regional regulations, relevant international treaties and laws, potential funding partners, and existing research programmes on sound and marine animals. Simultaneously, plans were laid to characterise a 3-D airgun array, and to develop a passive acoustic mitigation system called PAMGUARD. In September 2005, the JIP convened an international workshop in Halifax, Nova Scotia seeking stakeholder input on research that would be needed to close these knowledge gaps. JIP Phase 1 members analysed the results of this meeting and produced a consolidated list of research topics that they recommended as the basis of JIP Phase 2 (see “Research topics of interest to JIP”). The goal of JIP Phase 2 is to fund research to address the data gaps.
JIP Phase 2 officially began on May 18, 2006 with the first meeting of the Executive Committee (see Programme structure and function). Of the ten companies that joined JIP Phase 2, most had been members of JIP Phase 1. New members continued to join, bringing the present membership to 14. As of March 2008, JIP Phase 2 funds are approximately $8.2 million per year. The JIP has entered into co-funding agreements with several government agencies to support research of mutual interest, and continues to seek partners worldwide.
A Technical Management Committee of the JIP met on May 17 and again from July 11-13 to draft the programme’s policies and procedures, recommend external advisors, and recommend 2006 funding priorities for the Executive Committee to consider. Since then both the Executive Committee and Technical Management Committee have met at least twice per year.