Control
Underwater-Noise Mitigation
Measures to reduce or manage underwater acoustic environmental effects.
Documents
- 20251 Sep
Acoustic impact evaluation and management information paper
This information paper advises on assessing and managing marine seismic survey effects on environmental receptors. It addresses acoustic source descriptions, sound propagation modelling, biological thresholds, cumulative effects and uncertainty. Guidance covers receptor-specific acceptability, alternative survey methods, fauna detection, model validation and adaptive management, while distinguishing encouraged advice from regulatory requirements.
- 2025
SAC Underwater Noise Regulators Working Group Progress Report 2025
Annual review of regulators’ management of impulsive underwater noise in harbour porpoise protected areas during 2025. It describes the shared noise tracker, pre-season predictions, development coordination and twice-weekly scheduling calls. Southern North Sea summer disturbance remained within thresholds; registry improvements, deterrent-range revisions and international initiatives are also covered.
- 2024
SAC Noise Management Regulators Working Group Progress Report 2024
Reviews regulators’ work during 2024 to manage impulsive underwater noise in harbour porpoise Special Areas of Conservation. It describes developer coordination, Marine Noise Registry upgrades, quieter unexploded ordnance clearance, piling noise reduction and proposed limits. Summer analysis for the Southern North Sea indicates disturbance remained below daily and seasonal thresholds.
- 202319 Dec
NOPSEMA and OIR Research Strategy 2024-2027
This strategy identifies collaborative research priorities for environmental management of offshore energy projects. It addresses cumulative impacts, underwater noise, fauna detection, emissions, decommissioning and geological carbon storage. Priorities include seabed remediation, standardised bird monitoring and renewable-energy mitigation research, while distinguishing the regulator’s research end-user role from conducting or funding research.
- 2023May
SAC Noise Management Working Group Communications (May 2023)
A regulator update on managing underwater noise in harbour porpoise Special Areas of Conservation. It describes low-order unexploded ordnance disposal, licensing coordination, offshore wind piling standards and improvements to the Marine Noise Registry. Workshop proposals and voluntary activity forecasts seek to improve disturbance assessments and coordination between developers.
- 2020Jun
Final Consultation Report June 2020
Consultation report examining the evidence behind underwater-noise management guidance for harbour porpoise Special Areas of Conservation. It addresses seasonal disturbance thresholds, effective deterrent ranges, seismic surveys, piling, noise abatement and monitoring. Appended stakeholder submissions dispute assumptions and implementation arrangements, while the authors explain revised advice and remaining scientific uncertainties.
- 201812 Nov
Marine seismic surveys - November 2018
This factsheet explains marine seismic surveying using compressed-air acoustic sources and hydrophone streamers, distinguishing 2D, 3D and repeated 4D methods. It outlines potential effects on marine species, environmental assessment and possible acoustic mitigation measures, alongside NOPSEMA’s assessment of environment plans before proposed surveys can proceed.
- 201318 Nov
Final Study Report - November 2013
Research examines cetacean distribution and responses to seismic exploration in the Moray Firth using passive acoustics, visual surveys, photo-identification and habitat modelling. Air-gun measurements test propagation predictions. Porpoise responses declined during the survey, while dolphin abundance estimates remained similar across years despite evidence of short-term behavioural responses.
- Undated
Background to the advice on noise management within harbour porpoise SACs
Explains the rationale for managing underwater noise in harbour porpoise Special Areas of Conservation through temporary habitat loss rather than animal counts. Discusses seasonal area-time thresholds, empirically based deterrence ranges, noise abatement and alternative wind-farm foundations. Acknowledges uncertain evidence and describes adaptive management and differing approaches among conservation bodies.