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HELCOM Guidelines for the design and use of acoustic deterrent devices in the HELCOM area

Guidance

Title: HELCOM Guidelines for the design and use of acoustic deterrent devices in the HELCOM area
Author:
Koschinski, S.
Publication Date:
Pages:
57
Affiliation
Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission
Technology:
Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind
Stressor:
Noise
Receptor:
Marine Mammals
Language:
English

Document Access

Website:
External Link
Attachment:
Access File

Citation

Koschinski, S. (2026). HELCOM Guidelines for the design and use of acoustic deterrent devices in the HELCOM area. Report by Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission.
@techreport{Koschinski-2026-,
author = {Koschinski, S},
title = {HELCOM Guidelines for the design and use of acoustic deterrent devices in the HELCOM area},
institution = {Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission},
year = {2026},
month = {may},
url = {https://helcom.fi/publications/helcom-guidelines-for-the-design-and-use-of-acoustic-deterrent-devices-in-the-helcom-area/},
keywords = {Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind, Noise, Marine Mammals},
}
Export Citation to BibTex
TY - RPRT
TI - HELCOM Guidelines for the design and use of acoustic deterrent devices in the HELCOM area
AU - Koschinski, S
AB - Acoustic Deterrence Devices (ADDs) are designed and operated to prevent marine mammals from reaching structures in the vicinity of the ADD, typically fishing gear, aquaculture pens, or potentially dangerous zones around construction activities. Achieving these desired effects requires high source levels, potentially affecting marine mammals and other marine biota in unintended ways especially during continuous use at frequencies that can propagate well. The following guidelines for design and use of ADDs cover three different uses of devices:deterrence of one or more species of marine mammals from fishing gear or aquaculture sites, in order to prevent incidental entanglement (bycatch), or depredation and damage to the fishing gear;deterrence of one or more species of marine mammals from the vicinity of loud sound sources (pile driving, explosions etc.) potentially dangerous to the animals. In this case the purpose of the ADD is to displace animals to safe distances prior to exposure to the primary noise source; anddeterrence of one or more species of marine mammals in sensitive coastal areas where restoration of fish populations is underway.This document aims at providing an overview of current practices, outlining the potential conflicts and describing attributes and situations influencing or limiting the applicability of ADDs. Further, recommendations are given with respect to design and use in different applications. This document related to action S61 of the Baltic Sea Action Plan on the development and implementation of guidelines for the design and use of acoustic deterrent devices to avoid detrimental impacts on the environment from underwater noise by 2024.
DA - 2026/05//
PY - 2026
SP - 57
PB - Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission
UR - https://helcom.fi/publications/helcom-guidelines-for-the-design-and-use-of-acoustic-deterrent-devices-in-the-helcom-area/
LA - English
KW - Wind Energy
KW - Fixed Offshore Wind
KW - Noise
KW - Marine Mammals
ER -
Export Citation to RIS

Abstract

Acoustic Deterrence Devices (ADDs) are designed and operated to prevent marine mammals from reaching structures in the vicinity of the ADD, typically fishing gear, aquaculture pens, or potentially dangerous zones around construction activities. Achieving these desired effects requires high source levels, potentially affecting marine mammals and other marine biota in unintended ways especially during continuous use at frequencies that can propagate well. The following guidelines for design and use of ADDs cover three different uses of devices:

  • deterrence of one or more species of marine mammals from fishing gear or aquaculture sites, in order to prevent incidental entanglement (bycatch), or depredation and damage to the fishing gear;
  • deterrence of one or more species of marine mammals from the vicinity of loud sound sources (pile driving, explosions etc.) potentially dangerous to the animals. In this case the purpose of the ADD is to displace animals to safe distances prior to exposure to the primary noise source; and
  • deterrence of one or more species of marine mammals in sensitive coastal areas where restoration of fish populations is underway.

This document aims at providing an overview of current practices, outlining the potential conflicts and describing attributes and situations influencing or limiting the applicability of ADDs. Further, recommendations are given with respect to design and use in different applications. This document related to action S61 of the Baltic Sea Action Plan on the development and implementation of guidelines for the design and use of acoustic deterrent devices to avoid detrimental impacts on the environment from underwater noise by 2024.