Assessment of Seismic Exploration Noise at Lithuanian Area of the Baltic Sea

Abstract

An article presents an evaluation of the underwater noise of the performed bottom seismic surveys in the waters of the Lithuanian Baltic Sea, analyzes the underwater noise levels that were determined by mathematical modelling. It presents an assessment of the risks posed to marine mammals by extremely high intensity underwater noise levels in the research area. Possibilities of underwater noise reduction for these noisy activities discussed.

Keywords

• Airgun;
• Baltic Sea
• harbor porpoises
• seismic surveys
• underwater noise