Underwater Sound in Relation to Dredging
The CEDA position paper Underwater Sound in Relation to Dredging summarises the effects of sound on aquatic life to set the scene, describes in detail the underwater sounds generated by various components of the dredging process, summarises what is known about potential effects of dredging sounds, identifies options for managing dredging-related sound, and provides conclusions and an outline of future areas of research.
The position paper includes illustrations of sources of dredging induced underwater sound for different types of equipment: cutter suction dredger, trailing suction hopper dredger, grab dredger and backhoe dredger.
The Position paper has been prepared by the CEDA Working Group on Underwater Sound (WG UWS) under the remit of the CEDA Environment Commission, and reviewed by experts on dredging from various professional groups.
CEDA will continue its work on this subject. By providing independent advice, Dr. Frank Thomsen (DHI, Denmark), the chairman of the WG UWS will continue to represent CEDA in the Technical Subgroup Underwater Noise, that has been set up by the European Commission as part of the Common Implementation Strategy of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, MSFD (2008/56/EC). This ambitious Directive (adopted in June 2008) aims to protect the marine environment across Europe. One of the eleven descriptors in MSFD that define "Good Environmental Status" to be achieved by 2020 is "underwater noise".
CEDA will set up an Underwater Sound Expert Group with participation of experts also from CEDA's sister association, WEDA, Western Dredging Association and EADA, the Eastern Dredging Association to produce further review of ambient sound, dredging induced underwater sound and impact of this on aquatic biota, develop an underwater sound monitoring protocol/procedure in conjunction with initiatives (D-UK-NL cooperation on setting standards/ANSI) and provide guidance on how to assess underwater sound by dredging.
The CEDA Position Paper Underwater Sound can be downloaded from the CEDA website from the Section Publications / Downloads.
Image: members of the CEDA Working Group on Underwater Sound during their first meeting in Delft at the CEDA Offices. First row from left: Frederik Goethals, Frank Thomsen, Martine Holtkamp. Second row from left: Frederik Roose, Philip Spadaro, Gerard van Raalte, Pim de Wit.
