In:
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Acoustical Society of America (ASA), Vol. 128, No. 4_Supplement ( 2010-10-01), p. 2331-2331
Abstract:
The effect of anthropogenic underwater sound on fish has become an important environmental issue. Pile-driving noise during construction is of particular concern as the very high sound pressure levels could potentially prevent fish from reaching breeding or spawning sites, finding food, and acoustically locating mates. This could result in long-term effects on reproduction and populationparameters. Additionally, avoidance reactions might result in displacement away from potential fishing grounds and lead to reduced catches. However, reaction thresholds and therefore the impacts of pile driving on the behavior of fish are completely unknown. Pile-driving noise was played back to cod and sole held in two large (40 m) net pens located in a quiet bay. Movements of the fish were analyzed using a novel acoustic tracking system. Received sound pressure level and particle motion were measured during the experiments. The results show significant movement responses to the pile-driving stimulus in both species at relatively low received sound pressure levels. This might indicate a rather large area of avoidance during real pile-driving operations. The results of the study have important implications on regulatory advice and the implementation of mitigation measures in the construction of offshore wind farms.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0001-4966
,
1520-8524
Language:
English
Publisher:
Acoustical Society of America (ASA)
Publication Date:
2010
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1461063-2
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