The world’s ports are expanding at an unprecedented rate. Driven by the rapid growth of offshore wind energy, increasing global trade, and the need to accommodate ever-larger vessels, harbor extension projects have
The world’s ports are expanding at an unprecedented rate. Driven by the rapid growth of offshore wind energy, increasing global trade, and the need to accommodate ever-larger vessels, harbor extension projects have become a cornerstone of modern maritime infrastructure development. However, beneath the surface of these engineering achievements lies a significant environmental challenge: underwater noise pollution. Construction activities such as pile driving, dredging, and rock placement generate intense sound levels that can severely disrupt marine ecosystems. To address this issue, underwater acoustic monitoring has emerged as an essential tool, enabling port authorities and construction firms to mitigate the impact of noise on marine life while ensuring regulatory compliance.
This article explores the critical role of underwater acoustic monitoring in harbor expansion projects, examining its technological foundations, regulatory frameworks, and real-world applications through case studies in Europe and the Caribbean.
The environmental impact of underwater noise in port construction
Marine construction activities produce three primary types of underwater noise, each with distinct characteristics and ecological consequences. The first is impulsive noise, generated by activities such as pile driving and rock placement. These sounds are characterized by their high intensity and short duration, with levels reaching up to 260 decibels relative to 1
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