Modelling of Noise Effects of Operational Offshore Wind Turbines including noise transmission through various foundation types

Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science Vol 4 No 5

This report presents modelling of the acoustic output of operational off-shore wind turbines and its dependence on the type of foundation structure used. Three foundation types are examined: jacket, monopile and gravity foundation. The acoustic output from each of these foundation types is then compared to curves representing the hearing and behavioural response of marine species likely to come into contact with off-shore wind farms in Scottish Waters. The marine species examined are minke whales, harbour porpoise, grey seals, harbour seals, bottlenose dolphins, European eels, allis shad, sea trout and Atlantic salmon.