The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published new guidance providing practical recommendations to help Members reduce the impact of underwater noise on marine ecosystems.
Underwater noise pollution from offshore operations – including seismic surveys, pile driving, vessel transit, and dredging – poses risks to marine life, particularly mammals and fish, and is increasingly attracting attention from regulators.
IMCA ES005 Guidance on mitigation of underwater noise outlines best practices and mitigation measures for offshore contractors, vessel operators, and industry stakeholders, supporting them to minimise underwater noise and reduce their environmental footprint. Key aspects of the guidance include:
- Understanding the impact of underwater noise: A detailed overview of how underwater noise affects marine ecosystems, including potential disruptions to communication, navigation, and life functions of marine species.
- Regulatory landscape: Insights into international and regional regulations on underwater noise management, helping offshore operators navigate compliance requirements.
- Mitigation strategies: Practical measures such as vessel noise reduction technologies, operational adjustments such as speed reductions and exclusion zones, and the use of noise abatement technologies like bubble curtains and vibroseis.
- Monitoring and compliance: Recommendations for baseline noise assessments, the role of marine mammal observers, and passive acoustic monitoring to track noise levels and assess environmental impact.
As the offshore industry strives for sustainability, understanding and mitigating underwater noise is essential to protecting marine ecosystems
Introducing the new guidance, IMCA's Assistant Technical Adviser – Environment and Sustainability, Giulia Luerti said: “For marine animals, sound is more than just a sense – it is their way of life. It guides them as they communicate, navigate, and survive in an increasingly noisy ocean. As the offshore industry strives for sustainability, understanding and mitigating underwater noise is essential to protecting marine ecosystems. This guidance provides practical steps to help reduce noise pollution while balancing operational needs and environmental responsibility."
This guidance reflects IMCA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and aligns with global efforts to protect marine biodiversity, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Members can download IMCA ES005 Guidance on Mitigation of Underwater Noise (IMCA ES005) from IMCA’s technical library. Discover more about IMCA’s sustainability workstreams on its Environmental Sustainability Committee page.
Would you like to share any case studies that are applicable to mitigating underwater noise, or have any general comments? Contact Giulia.Luerti@imca-int.com.
