Acoustic Impact Assessments
Scientific consulting
JASCO Applied Sciences provides scientific consulting for all stages of environmental reviews and assessments of underwater noise. We offer a range of acoustic modelling, field measurements, impact assessment, reporting, and stakeholder liaison services to sectors including:
Oil and gas
Offshore wind
Defence and security
Geoscience
Marine construction
Renewable Energy
Fisheries
Regulatory
Balancing industrial activities and environmental conservation
We understand the well-founded requirements of regulatory agencies on the one hand, and the realities of industrial operations on the other. Our consulting services help marine industries conduct their business and achieve their goals in an environmentally friendly way:
We assist project stakeholders to find common ground between environmental conservation and operational feasibility, enabling our clients to design and execute their operations to achieve minimal environmental impact and full compliance with regulations
Our reputation is founded on solid scientific approaches and unwavering integrity
Our scientists are active and well respected in the independent research community
We earn the trust of regulators worldwide by providing scientifically defensible assessments
End-to-end services
Our services span all stages of environmental reviews and assessments related to underwater acoustics, allowing us to become involved at all stages of a project or the assessment process:
Literature reviews
Predictive acoustic modelling for disturbance zones and impact assessment
Measuring baseline ambient noise before operations
Monitoring and recording mammals for presence, behaviour, etc.
Mitigation solutions and recommendations
Field measurements during operations
Comprehensive data analysis, interpretation, and reporting
Expert representation
Our senior scientists and project managers can defend and clarify our findings at hearings and public consultations and with regulatory agencies and environmental NGOs:
For all matters acoustic, we are an independent voice for our clients
We present our assessments directly to regulators and stakeholders
We prevent misinterpretation of complex metrics and criteria to avoid inappropriate application of noise regulations
Learn more
Feasibility study: vessel-based Hector’s dolphin acoustic monitoring systems
April 2021 — New Zealand
Client: Fisheries New Zealand
A feasibility assessment and desktop design of a passive acoustic monitoring system to detect and track the location of Hector’s dolphins to determine if they are interacting with bottom trawl fishing nets. Using theoretical simulations, the study examines different array and localisation tracking concepts, possible detection ranges, and installation locations for hydrophones. Recommendations are made for pursuing field trials to obtain baseline data in advance of testing various acoustic mitigation measures, including dolphin deterrent devices, to reduce entanglement risks to dolphins.
ESRF Study | Potential Risks of Seismic Surveys to Snow Crab Resources
February 2021 — Newfoundland and Labrador
An Environmental Studies Research Fund project
Part of ESRF Project 2014-01S, this DFO-led report examines effects of seismic exploration on snow crab catch rates, movement, physiology, and genomic response, to address concerns by snow crab harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador. Field experiments were conducted over four consecutive summers in areas affected by seismic surveying and unaffected areas as a control, in offshore commercial snow crab fishing grounds. The study concludes that, based on factors considered by the experiments, impacts of seismic surveying on commercial snow crab are within the range of natural variability. The results are being used to provide science-based management advice to regulators, interested and affected industries, and the public.
Potential Impacts of Petroleum and Mineral Exploration and Production on Hector’s and Māui Dolphins
March 2019 — New Zealand
Client: New Zealand Department of Conservation
A literature review focussing on knowns and unknowns of potential impacts, to inform updates to New Zealand’s Threat Management Plan for Hector’s and Māui dolphins. A collaborative effort with Cawthron Institute (New Zealand) and Ocean Science Consulting NZ (Asia-Pacific) Limited.
Western Australia 2-D Marine Seismic Survey
February 2019 — Western Australia
Client: INPEX Operations Australia
Acoustic Modelling for Assessing Marine Fauna Sound Exposures
A numerical modelling study of underwater sound levels associated with the planned INPEX Western Australia (WA) 2-D Marine Seismic Survey (MSS) to understand the potential acoustic impact on key regional receptors including fish, marine mammals, turtles, benthic invertebrates (including pearl oysters), and plankton.
Modeling studies for Gulf of Mexico OCS Proposed Geological and Geophysical Activities
2015-2018 — Gulf of Mexico, United States
Clients: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), International Association of Geophysical Contractors, American Petroleum Institute
Acoustic Propagation and Marine Mammal Exposure Modeling Report (2015, 385 p) plus Addendum (2017, 6 p)
Cumulative and Chronic Effects Report (2015, 50 p) plus Addendum (2017, 12 p)
Acoustic Exposure Model Variable Analysis (2017, 171 p)
Comprehensive modelling studies to estimate acoustic exposure of protected species, estimate reduction of listening area and communication space due to seismic activities, and determine the influence and importance of modelling parameters on model outcomes. In support of the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for geological and geophysical activities in the Gulf of Mexico.