C. Estimation of Animal Behavioral Response . Conduct studies of the 

 behavioral response of various species of marine mammals to noise stimuli. 

 These studies could involve playback of selected sounds, such as tape 

 recordings of sounds emitted from OCS platforms, at carefully controlled 

 levels and for animals in selected settings of location and season. Tape 

 recordings suitable for such studies are available at NOSC. 



Such studies should also obtain direct observational data on 

 behavior of various species of marine animals subjected to noise stimuli in 

 the actual vicinity of oil and gas operations. These data should include both 

 initial responses as might occur at a new installation, and responses over a 

 long period as might relate to animals who have had an opportunity to adapt to 

 the sounds. 



D . Estimation of Interference wit h Anima l Co mmunication Sound Signals . 

 Apply the source-path-receiver model to calculate the expected masking effects 

 which the noises from OCS operations might impose on acoustic communication 

 signals between marine animals at various distances from tiie platform. 



E. Detailed Measur e ments on OCS P latforms. Conduct measurements of 

 airborne noise, platform vibration, and underwater noise in such a u;anner that 

 the mech:>.nisms of sound generation and transfer into water can be understood, 

 and the specific transmission paths defined. Such understanding is required 

 to speci'-y engineering procedures for noise control where needed to meet 

 future noise goals.- 



G-38 



