SHELLWISE – Assessing shellfish health when exposed to subsurface noise and vibration from offshore wind farms

Project Description

SHELLWISE is an interdisciplinary proposal intending to address a national and international research gap concerning the possible negative effects of noise on shellfish, and, the mechanisms by which underwater sound propagates from offshore wind farms. More specifically, the proposal will look at stress related responses in shellfish exposed to noise pollution, and develop noise propagation models – tailored to offshore wind turbines, both of these aspects will be the first of their kind for Ireland. Results from this proposal should streamline the planning and development of near and offshore wind farms through knowledge generation to fill a policy deficit and lowering uncertainties on the potential impact on marine life, notably shellfish. Using a combination of field, laboratory and computer-based approaches, we will measure how sound (noise pollution) travels through the marine environment, how shellfish may perceive sound, and whether there are detrimental impacts on shellfish health when exposed to continuous noise pollution. In doing so, we will develop a noise sensitivity index for shellfish, especially those of commercial importance, which should prove useful for developing marine energy-related policy and habitat conservation. This project will bolster national expertise in how renewable energy infrastructure interacts with animals on the seafloor.