IMPACTS: "Characterising Underwater Noise and Changes in Harbour Porpoise Behaviour During the Decommissioning of an Oil and Gas Platform" - Fernandez-Betelu et al., 2024
The decommissioning of maritime infrastructure presents not only technical and ecological challenges but also raises urgent questions regarding its impact on sensitive marine mammals. The article “Characterising Underwater Noise and Changes in Harbour Porpoise Behaviour During the Decommissioning of an Oil and Gas Platform” by Fernandez-Betulu et al. (2024) offers one of the most detailed analyses to date on acoustic disturbance during offshore decommissioning – and vividly demonstrates how underwater noise affects the behaviour of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena).
Based on extensive acoustic measurements and behavioural observations, the authors document how impulsive noise from the dismantling of an oil and gas platform triggers significant avoidance responses. These reactions can extend both spatially and temporally over prolonged periods. The findings reveal that even short-term but intense acoustic disturbances can have ecological consequences at the population level – particularly in ecologically sensitive habitats such as those in the North Sea.
Based on their research, Fernandez-Betulu et al. call for stricter acoustic regulation of decommissioning activities, as well as the implementation of buffer zones and alternative, noise-reducing technologies. The article underscores the importance of integrating marine mammals as key indicator species in environmental assessments and makes a vital contribution to the development of animal-welfare-oriented and biodiversity-sensitive decommissioning standards in the offshore sector.