Acoustic Characterisation
Marine energy converters have the potential to create noise pollution However, this same ‘noise pollution’ will be detected by animals, and may be sufficient to enable them to avoid close encounter or collision with underwater devices. In this respect, quieter is not necessarily better!
Environmental Impact Assessment of renewable energy devices should include an assessment of background noise levels before construction, as well as operational acoustic output of the device in situ.
SAMS can
offer baseline passive acoustic surveys of ambient noise at potential
development sites (at both springs and neap tides). These surveys employ
SAMS’ Drifting Ears technology, developed by SAMS for monitoring the
EMEC tidal test site in Orkney. SAMS are currently the sole providers of
acoustic data analysis from these devices in the UK. Results from our
baseline surveys can then be compared with repeat surveys conducted
during construction, operation and de-commissioning of marine renewable
energy devices.
Acoustic Impact Assessments can be produced
which combine our expert knowledge of the specific auditory biology,
behaviour and ecology of at risk species that inhabit or visit potential
development areas. We can also determine over what ranges these animals
will be able to perceive (and hence react to or avoid) operating
devices.
SAMS can also advise on the methodological design
and implementation of monitoring programmes for describing behavioural
Interactions between marine vertebrates and devices, and also any
acoustic mitigation that may be considered necessary.
