Buoys equipped with hydrophones and acoustic recorders are used to evaluate the level of underwater noise on offshore wind farms. In recent years, the presence of certain species of marine mammal during offshore infrastructure works (pile driving, drilling, etc.) has been a major environmental concern. By way of example, one such species is a certain porpoise endemic to the German coast that is very sensitive to sound waves; this mammal mainly uses its hearing for positioning in lieu of its very limited sight. In order to safeguard the species and its natural habitat, German legislation since 2018 has imposed a cap on sound levels caused by all offshore activities.
To read the full story, which was featured in ON&T April 2022, click here.
