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Question: SONIC IMPACT:A Precautionary Assessment of NoisePollution from Ocean Seismic Surveys

Answer: Ocean noise pollution has become an increasingly controversial and studied topic in recent years. Attention to research and development of Naval low frequency sonar weaponry and the ever increasing scale of marine seismic surveys for oil exploration have raised significant concerns and scientific questions about the impact on ocean creatures and ecosystems, particularly marine mammals. Seismic surveys used in oil exploration and geological studies utilize airguns to produce explosive impulses of sound directed toward the ocean bottom. Echoes produced by these impulses are recorded and analyzed to provide information on sub-surface geological features for academics and the oil and gas industry. Both ocean researchers and the public have become concerned about ways that sounds created by the airguns may impact ocean creatures.While it is generally assumed by industry that the risk of physiological damage is low, there are many uncertainties in our understanding of both sound transmission and the biological effects of sound "pollution" in the ocean. In addition, the complexities of acoustics science and inconsistencies within the research community in terms of measuring systems, has made it difficult for laypeople concerned about seismic surveying to assess existing research and data.Here we provide a primer for the non-scientist on current knowledge about airguns, their impacts and acoustic sensitivity of ocean-dwelling creatures. This report concludes that given the glaring holes in our knowledge of this subject,there is a need to take a precautionary approach to regulation of anthropogenic sound in the seas and that a series of suggested mitigation methods and research programs be undertaken in consort with future seismic surveys.

(Source: , 20 Aug 2021)

Source Link: https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/wp-content/uploads/legacy/Global/usa/report/2007/7/sonic-impact-a-precautionary.pdf.