Underwater noise pollution from the installation of offshore wind turbine foundations and the detonation of unexploded ordnance (UXO) is recognised as an issue of growing concern by UK regulators and policymakers. Marine mammals, fish and invertebrate species can be adversely affected by exposure to noise from these activities. Some of these species are protected under UK law, and in order to issue a license authorising these activities it needs to be shown that there is no satisfactory alternative to the activity. However, for both pile-driving and UXO, technologies are available which reduce the amount of noise emitted at source (noise abatement). Such technologies are being routinely deployed in other parts of the North Sea in order to reduce the risk of impact on marine life, particularly marine mammals.The aim of the workshop was to explore the technical feasibility of applying noise abatement measurements to offshore windfarm construction and UXO detonation to improve the quality of the acoustic habitat in UK seas.

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