Underwater sound recording presents unique challenges, especially in environments where human limitations like low visibility and remote locations hinder effective data collection. This is where Ocean Sonics’ icListen Hydrophones come into play, offering a powerful solution for companies like Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. to overcome these obstacles and achieve accurate underwater monitoring, even in conditions that would be impossible for humans to endure.
The Challenge
Marine construction activities such as pile driving, geotechnical drilling, seismic investigations, and blasting generate significant underwater noise and pressure levels, which can adversely affect aquatic species. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. (Triton) specializes in monitoring these sound pressure levels from construction practices to ensure they remain within safe limits, safeguarding marine and freshwater species. However, monitoring underwater noise is not a straightforward task; it requires tailored methods for each construction practice, considering local bathymetry, crew safety, seasonal changes, weather conditions, visibility, regulatory requirements, and construction schedules.
Example of a blast sound on Ocean Sonic’s Lucy II software.
The Solution
Triton leverages Ocean Sonics’ icListen hydrophones to address these challenges. These hydrophones allow for real-time monitoring of Peak Sound Pressure Levels in dBpeak re 1 µPa, even in environments where human presence is unsafe or impossible. For instance, during blasting activities, crews cannot remain within 10 meters of the sound source. In such cases, the icListen Hydrophones are deployed remotely or autonomously, enabling comprehensive data collection from a safe distance. This setup enables a single technician to manage multiple recording points, ensuring comprehensive data collection and staff safety. Triton can then advise the construction crews on what sound pressure levels are being created and construction methods can be adjusted to ensure sound pressure levels remain within safe limits to prevent injury to aquatic species. This setup ensures not only the accuracy of the data but also the safety of the crew.
Preparing the icListen hydrophone for deployment.
Moreover, the hydrophones can be placed in areas that are difficult or impossible for humans to access, such as deep underwater or in harsh weather conditions. This capability allows Triton to continuously monitor sound pressure levels without interruption, providing reliable data even in the most challenging environments. When aquatic habitats obstruct the deployment of hydrophones close to the sound source, underwater sound transmission loss modeling is used to estimate peak sound pressure levels accurately, enhancing measurement precision.
In addition to monitoring Peak Sound Pressure Levels, Triton uses the icListen Hydrophones for real-time Root Mean Squared (RMS) sound pressure level monitoring in dBRMS re 1 µPa. This monitoring is paired with Marine Mammal Observations to establish a Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone during construction, ensuring compliance with regulatory sound thresholds. The hydrophones can continuously monitor RMS sound levels at various distances from the sound source, allowing for precise delineation of the exclusion zone. Once the boundaries are defined, hydrophone monitoring can cease, while marine mammal observations continue within the established zone.
The icListen hydrophone deployed and attached to retrieval buoys.
The Results
By integrating Ocean Sonics’ icListen Hydrophones and associated technologies, Triton successfully navigates the complexities of underwater construction monitoring. Ultimately, guiding their clients through challenging conditions to deliver successful projects. The real-time data provided by the icListen ensures that sound pressure levels do not harm fish or marine mammals, enhancing the safety of aquatic species during construction activities. Remote and autonomous monitoring capabilities allow Triton to collect comprehensive data even during high-risk activities like blasting, all while keeping their crews safe.
The icListen hydrophones’ ability to operate continuously and in areas inaccessible to humans is crucial in maintaining compliance with environmental regulations and protecting marine mammals from hearing damage. The hydrophones also excel in low visibility conditions, such as night or fog, enabling construction activities to proceed without compromising environmental standards.
Overall, Triton’s use of Ocean Sonics’ icListen hydrophones demonstrates the effectiveness and reliability of these instruments in minimizing the impact of construction activities on aquatic environments. Through this technology, Triton not only overcomes the inherent limitations of human monitoring but also ensures the successful completion of projects with minimal environmental disruption.
Learn more about Triton Environmental Consultants by visiting their website: https://www.triton-env.com/
