Effects of Noise of Offshore Oil and Gas Operations on Marine Mammals - An Introductory Assessment. Volume 1

摘要

The effects of noise from offshore oil and gas operations on marine mammals were assessed by a multi-faceted study. The literature was surveyed for available data on noise from oil platforms and on hearing capabilities of marine mammals. Data on animal behavior around the platforms were collected by field observations and interviews. The noise from platforms was measured at various geographical locations and analyzed in the laboratory. Evaluation of the combined data indicates that certain platforms are relatively quiet, and therefore platforms with minimal sound emission can be designed. The highest level components of the noise from oil platforms are below 100 Hz. The distances at which large whales can detect such noise were estimated for various geographical locations. It is unlikely that platform noise will interfere with echolocation of marine mammals, and according to anecdotal information, whales ignore or easily avoid the platforms. (Author)