Acoustic impact of offshore wind projects on marine wildlife

The notable increase in recent decades of underwater sound produced by human activity is a major concern for environmental actors due to its potential impact on marine organisms. The role of sound in the ocean is internationally recognized (Global Ocean Observing System, UNESCO), and is included within European regulation (Strategy for the Marine Environment framework directive). In this context, the development of offshore wind power has sparked debate due to the sound pollution it can generate.

This expert review provides an overview of the scientific knowledge relating to the acoustic impact of offshore wind projects on three categories of marine life–marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates–with there being few studies available for seabirds and sea turtles. It presents the mechanisms by which underwater sound propagates, as well as the numerous impacts on marine species of the sound generated by wind projects (during construction especially but also operation), notably by comparing them to other sound emissions of human origin, in addition to offering strategies for mitigation. It also underscores the incompleteness of current knowledge for multiple species and types of sound sources.

• Synthesis (9 pages)
• Collective expert report in French (110 pages)

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