SERVICES

We apply a continuous improvement process every day to enhance our quality standards and the competencies of our staff.

We assess the impact of underwater noise generated by human activities—an increasing challenge for the protection of marine wildlife and the sustainability of ecosystems. Through source characterization, impact prediction, and the definition of influence areas, we apply updated technical criteria and use validated underwater sound propagation models. This approach allows us to identify and mitigate the effects of anthropogenic noise, ensuring compliance with current regulations and the preservation of sensitive species.

> Technical Evaluation Procedure
Our technical procedure is based on detailed analyses that consider the specific characteristics of the affected species and the noise sources. We assess impact by differentiating species groups (low-, mid-, and high-frequency cetaceans, phocid and otariid pinnipeds, sea turtles, and fish) and apply frequency weighting according to marine fauna type, following international guidelines such as NMFS-OPR-59 (2018). Additionally, we incorporate synergy evaluations with nearby projects and use the most accurate underwater sound propagation models, integrating factors such as bathymetry, water temperature, and salinity, in accordance with the SEA Guide “Evaluation Criteria in the SEIA: Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts from Underwater Noise” (2022), ensuring a valid and reliable analysis.

Regulations and Guidelines

  • Evaluation Criteria in the SEIA: Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts from Underwater Noise, SEA, 2022.
  • Evaluation Criteria in the SEIA: Methodologies for Considering Cumulative and Synergistic Impacts, SEA, 2024.
  • Guide for the Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts on Marine Ecosystems, SEA, 2024.
  • Evaluation Criteria in the SEIA: Environmental Assessment of Marine Salmon Farming Projects Located In or Near Protected Areas, SEA, 2023.
  • Guide for the Description of Marine Salmon Fattening Projects in the SEIA, SEA, 2021.
  • NMFS-OPR-59. Technical Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing (Version 2.0): Underwater Thresholds for Onset of Permanent and Temporary Threshold Shifts (2018).
  • WSDOT. Biological Assessment Preparation Manual, Ch. 7.2 (2020).
  • CALTRANS. Hydroacoustic Biological Assessment Guidance (2020).
  • Finneran et al. Criteria and Thresholds for U.S. Navy Acoustic and Explosive Effects Analysis (2017).
  • Good Practice Guide for Underwater Noise Measurement, National Measurement Office, Marine Scotland, The Crown Estate (2014).

Equipment

  • Cetacean Research Hydrophone, model C57.
  • Anti-vibration flotation and suspension system with support buoy.
  • ZOOM H4n Pro portable 4-channel digital recorder.
  • Garmin Striker 4 portable echo sounder.
  • Anemometer.
  • Laser rangefinder.
  • Underwater noise modeling software dBSea, developed by Marshall Day Acoustics.
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