WODA Technical Guidance on Underwater Sound from Dredging
Frank Thomsen1, Fabrizio Borsani2, Douglas Clarke3
1DHI, Agern Alle 5, 2970, Hørsholm, Denmark. frth@dhigroup.com.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|November 28, 2015
Summary
The World Organization of Dredging Associations (WODA) highlights underwater sound from dredging as an environmental concern. Guidance is provided for managing sound risks and monitoring impacts on marine life.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Acoustics
Background:
- Underwater sound is an environmental issue identified by the World Organization of Dredging Associations (WODA).
- A WODA Expert Group on Underwater Sound (WEGUS) previously addressed dredging sound in a 2013 guidance paper.
- Potential impacts on aquatic biota and monitoring procedures require further consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide updated guidance on dredging sound.
- To summarize potential impacts of underwater sound on aquatic life.
- To offer advice on underwater sound monitoring, data collection, and analysis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on dredging-related sounds and their effects.
- Survey of existing knowledge on marine life responses to sound.
- Development of a risk-based approach for sound management.
Main Results:
- Guidance for standardization of acoustic terminology.
- Recommendations for data collection and analysis methods.
- Information on managing dredging-related sound risks.
Conclusions:
- Underwater sound from dredging is a significant environmental consideration.
- A standardized, risk-based approach is crucial for managing dredging sound.
- Effective monitoring and management strategies are needed to mitigate impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
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