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Impulsive noise pollution in the Northeast Atlantic: reported activity during 2015-2017
Merchant, N.D.; Andersson, M.H.; Box, T.; Le Courtois, F.; Cronin, D.; Holdsworth, N.; Kinneging, N.; Mendes, S.; Merck, T.; Mouat, J.; Norro, A.M.J.; Ollivier, B.; Pinto, C.; Stamp, P.; Tougaard, J. (2020). Impulsive noise pollution in the Northeast Atlantic: reported activity during 2015-2017. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 152: 110951. https://hdl.handle.net/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110951
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. Macmillan: London. ISSN 0025-326X; e-ISSN 1879-3363, more
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
Keywords
    Mammalia [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Seismic survey; Offshore windfarm; Marine mammal; Noise registry;Quieting; Noise abatement
Authors  Top 
  • Merchant, N.D.
  • Andersson, M.H.
  • Box, T.
  • Le Courtois, F.
  • Cronin, D.
  • Holdsworth, N.
  • Kinneging, N., more
  • Mendes, S.
  • Merck, T.
  • Mouat, J.
  • Norro, A.M.J., more
  • Ollivier, B.
  • Pinto, C.
  • Stamp, P.
  • Tougaard, J.
Abstract
    Underwater noise pollution from impulsive sources (e.g. explosions, seismic airguns, percussive pile driving) can affect marine fauna through mortality, physical injury, auditory damage, physiological stress, acoustic masking, and behavioural responses. Given the potential for large-scale impact on marine ecosystems, some countries are now monitoring impulsive noise activity, coordinated internationally through Regional Seas Conventions. Here, we assess impulsive noise activity in the Northeast Atlantic reported during 2015-2017 to the first international impulsive noise register (INR), established in 2016 under the OSPAR Convention. Seismic airgun surveys were the dominant noise source (67%-83% of annual activity) and declined by 38% during 2015-2017. Reported pile driving activity increased 46%. Explosions and sonar/acoustic deterrent devices both had overall increases in reported activity. Some increases were attributable to more comprehensive reporting in later years. We discuss utilising the INR for risk assessment, target setting, and forward planning, and the implementation of similar systems in other regions.
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