Breaking the Sound Barrier-Sound Impacts In New Frontier Areas For Energy Development

摘要

Marine mammals in the Arctic navigate the natural sound-scape through unique abilities to receive, process and interpret sound information-fundamental to communication, breeding and their ultimate survival. Anthropogenic marine noise levels are increasing globally but the biologically significant effects of cumulative noise on marine ecology, especially in arctic areas, remain unknown . The offshore energy industry remains on the eco-sound learning curve, sadly punctuated by a number of high profile cases in encountering whales. The sources and levels of noise in the marine environment will be reviewed in relation to detection capacities, response zone and behaviours of marine species from the Arctic to the Tropics . Trends in legislation are now geared to prevent disturbance of wild protected animals and stakeholders demand detailed assessment of the risk to marine species and populations. A critique of current regulations will illustrate that the cumulative effects of multiple developments on species lifecycle reproductive rates, and impact assessment of chronic noise remains in its infancy due to lack of data and uncertainties . Most EIA processes are inadequate to rigorously assess cumulative impact of sound and the link to population sustainability. The latest cutting edge noise-scope modelling and impact assessment tools will be summarized geared to improving our understanding of the bio significance of noise, zones of influence, behaviour and ultimate impact mitigation measures . Innovative approaches to dealing with sound management will be presented including “sound budgets” which could set limits on the amount and type of noise at key periods or in areas of highest ecological value A” sound barrier to energy development” may exists in some regions due to a gap in knowledge leaving regulators to adopt a precautionary approach to safeguard species .There is ,therefore an urgent need for standardized methodologies and research geared to consistent monitoring of sound impacts on marine populations in frontier areas.