Underwater sound propagation modelling to illustrate potential noise exposure to Maui dolphins from seismic surveys and vessel traffic on West Coast North Island, New Zealand
June 2019 — Northwest New Zealand
Client: Fisheries New Zealand
A modelling study to assess noise related to vessel traffic and seismic surveys off the West Coast North Island of New Zealand over a 343 × 780 km area. Sound levels were estimated at locations potentially occupied by Maui dolphins, revealing the contributions from sources such as seismic surveys, vessels, jackup platforms, and FPSOs. Recommendations for future work, including long-term noise monitoring in habitat areas and efforts to better understand the hearing capabilities of Maui dolphins, are described.
