Possible Effects of Noise from Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling Activities on Marine Mammals: A Survey of the Literature

摘要

The acoustic environment in the area of offshore oil and gas drilling activities may influence the behavior of marine mammals. Increased noise levels may mask their acoustic signals. Offshore structures and the increased level of human activities in outer continental shelf areas could displace marine mammals from traditional feeding and breeding areas. No conclusions about the effects of noise on natural populations have been verified under controlled conditions. (Author)