Eco-hydro-acoustic modeling and its use as an EIA tool

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Environmental Acoustics
• Computational Ecology

Background:

• Anthropogenic underwater noise is a growing concern for marine ecosystems.
• Current noise models predict zones of influence but not species' behavioral reactions.
• Assessing noise impacts on marine life requires understanding behavioral responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To predict the behavioral impacts of offshore wind farm noise on Atlantic cod (Gadhus moruha).
• To model the effect of underwater noise on fish migration to feeding grounds.
• To integrate predictive noise and hydrodynamic models with an individual-based model (IBM).

Main Methods:

• Utilized a modified predictive underwater noise model and a hydrodynamic model.
• Developed an individual-based model (IBM) incorporating noise-sensitive and insensitive cod.
• Simulated a pile driving noise event at an offshore wind farm in Liverpool Bay, UK.
• Modeled cod movement from outer bay to the Dee Estuary feeding ground.

Main Results:

• The IBM indicated that noise-sensitive cod experienced migration delays.
• Hearing cod took up to 7 days longer to reach the Dee Estuary compared to deaf cod.
• Noise-induced delays in migration were quantified for Atlantic cod.

Conclusions:

• This modeling technique can predict behavioral impacts of underwater noise on marine species.
• The approach offers a valuable tool for environmental impact assessments in offshore project consenting.
• Understanding species-specific reactions to noise is crucial for effective marine conservation.