Effects of anthropogenic sounds on marine fauna. Case of offshore wind energy projects

Based on a large bibliography, the authors propose a synthesis of studies and returns on experience performed in France, Europe and the World about the impacts of anthropogenic sound pollutions on marine fauna, more particularly impacts of the noise of offshore works performed for the construction, installation, use and dismantling of offshore wind turbines and other renewable marine energy (EMR) machines. The first chapter proposes an overview of knowledge in acoustics: physical phenomena generating sounds, sound propagation in the marine environment, measurement systems and units, types of sounds generated by concerned machines. The second chapter addresses sound perception by the different types of marine animals: sea mammals, sea birds, fishes, turtles, invertebrates. The third chapter actually addresses the effects of marine sounds on the marine fauna, and impact thresholds: description of effects related to anthropogenic sounds, impacts on the development of some animals, definitions of impact thresholds. The fourth chapter addresses returns on experiences on renewable sea energy projects in Europe since 2000 and related to floating offshore wind farms, to anchored offshore wind farms, to the construction phase, and to methods of reduction of acoustic impacts. The next chapter addresses legal, regulation, and conservation aspects (French and European law, process of an EMR acoustic impact study). The authors finally highlight lacks in knowledge and needs in additional studies