Services / Acoustic Impact Assessments

 
 

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:

 
Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) with calf underwater

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

 
 
“The staff at JASCO have not only provided excellent technical and customer service, but they have also been very supportive of the ECHO Program and our team members, helping to advance our goal of reducing the threat to cetaceans posed by shipping.”
— Krista Trounce
Port of Vancouver
 
 
 

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:

 
 
 

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

JASCO's Jonathan Vallarta, by IISD/ENB | D. Noguera

JASCO’s Jonathan Vallarta at the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (ICP-19) in New York. Photo by IISD/ENB | D. Noguera

 
 
“Staff are professional, easy to work with, and are knowledgeable in their expertise and governing regulations. This is important as it helps JASCO provide input and steer into regulatory process and advocacy that project/clients must do.”
— Oil & gas client
 
 
 

Recent reports

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Feasibility study: vessel-based Hector’s dolphin acoustic monitoring systems
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
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.

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ECHO Program | Salish Sea Ambient Noise Evaluation 2016–2017
ECHO Program | Salish Sea Ambient Noise Evaluation 2016–2017

December 2019 — British Columbia, Canada

Client: Port of Vancouver

Analysis for the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s ECHO Program identifying and evaluating the primary factors affecting ambient noise measured by three underwater recorders deployed in the Salish Sea for two years. To evaluate the efficacy of vessel noise mitigation efforts, other influencing factors must be accounted for, including large ship and small boat traffic, water currents and temperature, weather, and biologics.

Potential Impacts of Petroleum and Mineral Exploration and Production on Hector’s and Māui Dolphins
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
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.

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Modeling studies for Gulf of Mexico OCS Proposed Geological and Geophysical Activities
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.

Contact us to learn more about JASCO’s services and products.

 
 
Three orcas swimming in the Salish Sea