Raise the shields: Protecting marine animals from underwater explosions, illustrated by noise abatement modeling
Dylewska, W.; von Pein, J.; Nocon, M.; Malecha-Lysakowska, A.; Tegowski, J. (2026). Raise the shields: Protecting marine animals from underwater explosions, illustrated by noise abatement modeling, in: Popper, A.N. et al. The effects of noise on aquatic life IV. pp. 1-9. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-94229-7_50-1
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| Author keywords |
Unexploded ordnance · UXO · Underwater explosion · Noise abatement · Big bubble curtain · Harbor porpoise · Sound modeling · Underwater sound |
| Authors | | Top |
- Dylewska, W.
- von Pein, J.
- Nocon, M.
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- Malecha-Lysakowska, A.
- Tegowski, J.
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| Abstract |
Underwater detonations, whether from unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance or new munitions, produce intense, impulsive sound that can lead to hearing impairment and cause injuries, including those leading to mortality of marine animals. Despite these risks, noise abatement systems are not routinely applied, and one of the aims of this study is to demonstrate the need and potential effectiveness of implementing them. This chapter summarizes the issue of underwater detonations, their effects on the marine fauna, and available mitigation strategies. A case study for the Gdańsk Bay, Baltic Sea, used sound propagation modeling to assess the potential impacts for two explosive charge sizes (10 kg and 250 g TNT equivalent), without and with the application of a big bubble curtain (BBC) as noise abatement. Modeling results showed that temporary threshold shifts in harbor porpoises occurred within the largest affected area, while physical injury to fish was limited to the smallest affected area. The application of a BBC heavily reduced the impact ranges across the considered species, demonstrating near-complete mitigation of the evaluated risks. The results highlight the value of integrating sound-propagation modeling into UXO clearance planning and support the routine application of noise abatement systems to minimize hazards, particularly for species already threatened by other pressures, such as the harbor porpoises in the Baltic Sea. |
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