Abstract
This interdisciplinary project has fundamental and applied aspects fitting the targets of the Dutch National Research Agenda (NWA). We will collect data on pelagic fish communities in and around offshore windfarms in association with acoustic conditions during construction and operation. Sound transmits very well through water, while vision is usually dramatically impaired. Hence, sound is important to marine animals and sound can help us in finding out whether they are bothered by noise pollution. Offshore wind farms are part of a green strategy to exploit reusable energy resources. However, construction and operation may also have costs and benefits at sea. Noise pollution may concern loud and impulsive sounds from pile driving or more moderate and continuous low-frequency sound from operational turbines and vessels. Such sounds can damage, disturb and deter animals. The most severe and direct impacts may be mitigated by acoustic herding of fish schools away from an acute danger zone. We will describe presence and behaviour of pelagic fish communities in and around operational wind farms and also zoom in on fish behaviour in the direct vicinity of pile driving. We will test and improve an acoustic deterrent device (Faunaguard) through behavioural response studies in captivity and in free-ranging conditions at sea. Sound investigations can shed new light on noise pollution and the potential for acoustic herding and provide critical information for decisions about trade-offs between ecology and economy. Our proposed studies fit well in the Blue route: water as a pathway to innovative and sustainable growth. The applied aspects tie in perfectly with the first societal breakthrough: Water as source: How can we make sustainable and economically responsible use of the water and the energy, natural resources and food located on, in and under the water.
Netherlands