A multi-disciplinary approach to evaluate potential impacts of acoustic energy to protected marine life

The impact of acoustic energy on marine mammals is increasingly becoming of greater concern to the U.S. Navy and the environmental community. In response to its needs as a research and development laboratory, and in conjunction with its responsibilitles as a steward for the marine environment, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) has used a multidisciplinary approach to assess the impacts of acoustic sources on marine mammals. This approach has resulted in the formation of the Marine Life Research and Compliance (MLRC) team, a group of scientists and engineers conducting research and analysis in the field of marine mammal acoustics and environmental compliance. Drawing on their individual expertise, the MLRC team works together to ensure that research and development (R&D) sea tests or exercises are compliant with applicable environmental laws, particularly the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Acousticians use Oceanographic and Atmospheric Master Library (OAML) approved models to predict the propagation of sound in the undersea environment. In addition, marine scientists evaluate the environment in which testing will occur for potential presence of marine mammals and sea turtles, as well as oceanographic conditions. The results of the biological, oceanographic, and acoustic analyses are combined to produce an assessment of potential impacts from acoustic sources