Italy introduces pre and post operation monitoring phases for offshore seismic exploration activities

Concern is growing that marine fauna can be affected by noise such as naval sonar, pile driving or geophysicalsurveys, among others. Literature reports a variety of animal reactions to human noise (from apparently null ornegligible to strong). However, conclusive results on its effects on marine mammals at individual and populationlevel are still lacking. In 2015, the Italian Environmental Impact Assessment Commission mandated seismicoperators apply a standard scientific protocol comparing marine mammal presence before, during, and afteroffshore seismic survey. For 60 days before and after the survey, marine mammals are monitored using visualand acoustic methods. One or more acoustic autonomous recorders, depending on area size, must also bedeployed throughout the three phases for continuous monitoring. Consistent data gathered from many surveyswill enable robust statistical analysis of results. Diffusion of this monitoring method internationally wouldimprove the study of far-reaching, intense, low frequency noise.