2005, Entec, Lynn and Inner Dowsing, Baseline Underwater Noise Survey

Entec UK Ltd was commissioned by AMEC and Renewable Energy Systems on behalf of Centrica Renewable Energy to investigate the background noise environment across two of the Centrica Renewable Energy offshore windfarm sites, Lynn and Inner Dowsing. It is anticipated this review of the background noise environment will provide a baseline for comparison of future operational data, as part of the developer commitment to environmental monitoring of the windfarm throughout the construction and post-construction period. Marine renewable energy developments have the potential to generate considerable levels of underwater noise, both in the short-term during construction, and in the long-term operational phase of projects. This must be considered in terms of the impact of any changes in the underwater noise environment upon marine life, in particular marine mammals and commercial fisheries.