SUMMARY REPORT OF 30 SEPTEMBER 1980 ON 



BLM TASK: "STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF 



SOUND ON MARINE MAMMALS" 



Introduction 



This will summarize briefly the work conducted under Naval Ocean Systems 

 Center Project MM28, BLM Project AA851-1A0-5 from the commencement of work in 

 January to September 1980. 



Objective 



The overall objective is to assess the impact of underwater noise created 

 by offshore oil drilling and production operations on marine mammals along the 

 outer continental shelf of the U.S. 



Approach 



1. Conduct literature search on underwater noise from offshore oil 

 operations, and on underwater hearing and sound production of marine mammals 

 to estimate potential interference of man-made noise with endangered wildlife. 



2. Initiate a program of interviews with platform operational and support 

 personnel, and others who may provide data from personal observations of the 

 behavior of marine mammals in the vicinity of offshore platforms and 

 supporting equipment. 



3. Obtain high-fidelity tape recordings and spectrum of underwater 

 radiated noise in the vicinity of offshore oil operations in various 

 geographic areas and employing various types of platforms. These should also 

 sample a range of operating conditions. 



4. Relate the noise levels and spectra to the machinery and other 

 potential sources of noise and vibration on the platforms. 



5. Calculate the expected maximum ranges of noise influence based on the 

 source-path-receiver model. 



6. Analyze data to determine what mitigating measures could be 

 recommended in case it is found necessary to minimize the effect of any sounds 

 created by OSC oil and gas operation on cetaceans. 



Results 



Literature Survey 



"Literature Review on: I. Underwater Noise from Offshore Oil Operations, 

 and V. Underwater Hearing and Sound Productions of Marine Mammals " compiled 

 by C. W. Turl and edited by E. Lindner as part of the first summary report was 

 submitted to BLM in June 1980. 



E-2 



