Fernandez-Betelu, O; Graham, I M; Malcher, F; Webster, E; Cheong, S-H; Wang, L; Iorio-Merlo, V; Robinson, S P; Thompson, P M (2024) Characterising underwater noise and changes in harbour porpoise behaviour during the decommissioning of an oil and gas platform. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 200. 116033

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Abstract

An increasing number of man-made marine structures (MMS) will have to be decommissioned in the coming decades. While studies on the impacts of construction of MMS on marine mammals exist, no research has been done on the effects of their decommissioning. The complete removal of an oil and gas platform in Scotland in 2021 provided an opportunity to investigate the response of harbour porpoises to decommissioning. Arrays of broadband noise recorders and echolocation detectors were used to describe noise characteristics produced by decommissioning activities and assess porpoise behaviour. The sound pressure levels during decommissioning were 30-40 dB higher than the levels prior to decommissioning, with the presence of vessels being the main source of noise. The study detected small-scale (< 2 km) and short-term levels of porpoise displacement during decommissioning, with porpoise occurrence increasing immediately after this. These findings can inform the consenting process of future decommissioning projects.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Oil and gas; Man-made marine structures (MMS); Decommissioning; Underwater noise; Harbour porpoise; North Sea
Subjects:	Acoustics > Underwater Acoustics
Divisions:	Medical, Marine & Nuclear
Identification number/DOI:	10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116083
Last Modified:	02 Jul 2024 13:44
URI:	https://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/9978