Abstract
Assessment of underwater noise is increasingly required by regulators of development projects in marine and freshwater habitats, and noise pollution can be a constraining factor in the consenting process. Noise levels arising from the proposed activity are modelled and the potential impact on species of interest within the affected area is then evaluated. Although there is considerable uncertainty in the relationship between noise levels and impacts on aquatic species, the science underlying noise modelling is well understood. Nevertheless, many environmental impact assessments (EIAs) do not reflect best practice, and stakeholders and decision makers in the EIA process are often unfamiliar with the concepts and terminology that are integral to interpreting noise exposure predictions. In this paper, we review the process of underwater noise modelling and explore the factors affecting predictions of noise exposure. Finally, we illustrate the consequences of errors and uncertainties in noise modelling, and discuss future research needs to reduce uncertainty in noise assessments.
Highlights
Underwater noise from human activities is known to have a number of adverse effects on aquatic life (Nowacek et al, 2007; Slabbekoorn et al, 2010; Williams et al, 2015)
Acknowledging that these thresholds form a necessary counterpart to modelling in noise impact assessments, the present work focuses on the acoustic modelling which underpins predictions of effect zones, independently of the thresholds used to predict animal responses
The aim is to model the received noise level (RL) at a given point, based on the sound source level (SL) of the noise source, and the amount of sound energy which is lost as the sound wave propagates from the source to the receiver
Summary
Underwater noise from human activities is known to have a number of adverse effects on aquatic life (Nowacek et al, 2007; Slabbekoorn et al, 2010; Williams et al, 2015). Popper et al, 2014), and it is expected that these will continue to evolve in light of new research into the effects of noise on aquatic species Acknowledging that these thresholds form a necessary counterpart to modelling in noise impact assessments, the present work focuses on the acoustic modelling which underpins predictions of effect zones, independently of the (evolving) thresholds used to predict animal responses. By raising awareness of these issues, we aim to help promote best practice in noise impact assessments, and to enable more informed EIA processes for noise-generating developments
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