THE PROBLEM
Piling operations at sea are one of the most intense anthropogenic noises in the marine environment and have the potential to cause permanent hearing damage in marine mammals.
Offshore development operations including seismic exploration, pile driving and undersea construction can disrupt cetacean communication, navigation, feeding and displacement from key habitats. Cumulative impacts can affect population health and long-term survival.
Piling operations at sea are one of the most intense anthropogenic noises in the marine environment and have the potential to cause permanent hearing damage in marine mammals.
Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADDs) are used as a mitigation measure to deter marine mammals to a ‘safe distance’ from the impact zone surrounding engineering works. Each location will have its own recommendations for how these devices are to be used.
The evidence base for the use of acoustic deterrents is still emerging and there is still limited control trials in the context of offshore operations. Responses vary by species, with some studies showing temporary avoidance or reduced detections.
|
Paper |
Location | Product/model used | Effect |
Species |
| Global | 40kHz ADD | Advised best practise to mitigate adverse effect on cetacean species during periods of work. | Various cetacean species |