Abstract
The ocean is not a ‘silent world’, particularly near
coastlines. Wave breaking, seismic events and marine
inhabitants all contribute to background noise.
In recent years, sounds from human activities such
as shipping, seismic surveys and seabed drilling have
increased the ambient level in certain areas. It is likely
that the deployment of Wave Energy Converters (WECs)
will introduce new sources of noise into this already
‘noisy’ underwater environment. Due to ocean marine
inhabitants’ dependence on sound, it is important that
potential noise impacts from the construction and
operation of wave energy farms are better understood.
Consequently, and also as a result of EU and national
legislation, comprehensive environmental assessments
examining potential impacts associated with WECs
should include an assessment of potential underwater
noise impacts.