Published June 4, 2019 | Version v1
Dataset Open

Data from: Harbour porpoise responses to pile-driving diminish over time

  • 1. University of Aberdeen
  • 2. Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science

Description

Estimating impacts of offshore windfarm construction on marine mammals requires data on displacement in relation to different noise levels and sources. Using echolocation detectors and noise recorders, we investigated harbour porpoise behavioural responses to piling noise during the 10-month foundation installation of a North Sea windfarm. Current UK guidance assumes total displacement within 26 km of pile driving. In contrast, we recorded a 50 % probability of response within 7.4 km (95 % CI = 5.7 – 9.4) at the first location piled, decreasing to 1.3 km (95 % CI = 0.2 – 2.8) by the final location; representing 28 % (95 % CI = 21 – 35) and 18 % (95 % CI = 13 – 23) displacement of individuals within 26 km. Distance proved as good a predictor of responses as audiogram weighted received levels, presenting a more practicable variable for environmental assessments. Critically, acoustic deterrent device (ADD) use and vessel activity increased response levels. Policy and management to minimise impacts of renewables on cetaceans have concentrated on pile-driving noise. Our results highlight the need to consider trade-offs between efforts to reduce far-field behavioural disturbance and near-field injury through ADD use.

Notes

Files

Graham_BOWL_cMMMP_5min_boat_withineach_1kmCPODbuffer_data_2019-01-18.csv

Files (81.0 MB)

Name Size Download all
md5:f1c1cb598847af6327c19bc8c350643f
6.1 MB Preview Download
md5:848da1be913626703fb93da7831d12e1
1.0 MB Preview Download
md5:0bc0746c891a08eeab6ff889b6165e69
2.5 MB Preview Download
md5:19d1b8edba0d811d0583cf3a84a58ab2
71.2 MB Preview Download
md5:da51c4c1bb0713a8b0721757c374f4bb
12.6 kB Preview Download
md5:70d31348349af99410da992aeb826711
18.9 kB Preview Download
md5:36cf31c62dd537c5c715f11a5c206813
11.1 kB Preview Download
md5:fdf1922f8bcabcbac999a919de51180f
6.7 kB Preview Download
md5:68a83963a2d7d7d880e46240eaf6fd06
92.8 kB Preview Download
md5:ff12cb906154c88654240cc4d6293034
9.4 kB Download
md5:f8f964b5f787be640cb905c27fba3daf
12.5 kB Download
md5:dae7d2af0a9518906fcad6fbbb80ab3d
105.8 kB Preview Download

Additional details

Related works

Is cited by
10.1098/rsos.190335 (DOI)