Offshore wind energy development: Research priorities for sound and vibration effects on fishes and aquatic invertebrates

Abstract

There are substantial knowledge gaps regarding both the bioacoustics and the responses of animals to sounds associated with pre-construction, construction, and operations of offshore wind (OSW) energy development. A workgroup of the 2020 State of the Science Workshop on Wildlife and Offshore Wind Energy identified studies for the next five years to help stakeholders better understand potential cumulative biological impacts of sound and vibration to fishes and aquatic invertebrates as the OSW industry develops. The workgroup identified seven short-term priorities that include a mix of primary research and coordination efforts. Key research needs include the examination of animal displacement and other behavioral responses to sound, as well as hearing sensitivity studies related to particle motion, substrate vibration, and sound pressure. Other needs include: identification of priority taxa on which to focus research; standardization of methods; development of a long-term highly instrumented field site; and examination of sound mitigation options for fishes and aquatic invertebrates. Effective assessment of potential cumulative impacts of sound and vibration on fishes and aquatic invertebrates is currently precluded by these and other knowledge gaps. However, filling critical gaps in knowledge will improve our understanding of possible sound-related impacts of OSW energy development to populations and ecosystems. V

Pile driving repeatedly impacts the giant scallop (Placopecten magellanicus)

“…Several studies have described the various impacts of PD on many marine taxa, ranging from temporary changes in behavior to mortality 5 – 7 . However, the impacts of substrate-borne vibrations from hammering piles into the seabed remain poorly understood 8 – 10 . This benthic component travels farther and faster than the water-borne signal generating concerns for benthic taxa 8 .…”

“…Recent studies showed bivalves respond to low frequencies (i.e., < 1 kHz) by closing their valves 12 . However, the translation of these laboratory experimental results into the field are not yet clear, especially when considering the differing intensities as well as the spatial and temporal scales of potential impacts by anthropogenic activities 10 . Currently, only one field study has described noise impacts on adult scallops.…”

“…The authors showed that deep-sea oil and gas seismic surveys disrupt scallop metabolism and behaviors 13 . Despite these initial findings and concerns, little is known about responses to younger and highly sensitive stages 10 .…”

“…In addition, they represent a commercially important taxon, contributing mean annual landings exceeding 15 million tons and worth 20 billion USD 15 . Given the rapid proliferation of anthropogenic activities at sea 1 , 10 , being able to quantify the associated noise impacts on these ecologically and commercially important species will be critical for the next decade.…”

“…Consequently, there are considerable overlaps in vital bivalve habitats, fishing zones, and planned OSW development, generating strong conflicts across users of marine resources 19 . There is thus a crucial need to understand the potential impacts of OSW constructions on this taxon 10 .

Figure 1 Increasing offshore wind farm constructions overlap with commercial bivalve production worldwide.

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