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What We Offer:
Legislative and regulatory requirements dictate that a thorough analysis
of potential impacts of anthropogenic human-generated noise on the marine environment
be conducted prior to use of active underwater acoustic transmissions
at-sea. Marine Acoustics Inc. (MAI) possesses a unique capability
in assisting the Navy, universities and other clients in complying
with these regulations when conducting at-sea operations and experimentation.
Our main area of focus is preparing the documents and permits necessary
to enable military and commercial maritime operations. We have assisted
clients with compliance with numerous federal and state regulations
including:
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA);
• Executive Order (EO) 12114 (Environmental Effects Abroad
of Major Federal Actions);
• Endangered Species Act (ESA);
• Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA);
• Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA);
• Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA);
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act;
• Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act
(FCMA);
• Rivers and Harbors Act; and
• Specific state, regional, and local laws and regulations.
How We Do It:
Preparing the necessary documents for at-sea acoustic operations
requires expertise in numerous fields including: marine biology,
bioacoustics, underwater acoustics, computer modeling, and environmental
compliance regulatory procedures. While the nature and location
(U.S. Waters, Global Commons, etc.) of acoustic sources are fairly
standard; documentation, precise analytical procedures and timelines
of projects vary. MAI has demonstrated a proficiency in coordinating
these intricacies through a skilled team of scientists, engineers
and regulatory experts. Using this team, we:
- Establish a Liaison: Work closely with the customer to
completely understand objectives and specific design metrics of
the at-sea experiment or operation.
- Review and Analyze Existing Research Data: Determine appropriate
sound pressure level and/or energy level thresholds above which
various marine species could potentially be subject to harassment
or injury from the underwater acoustic source(s) being used.
- Carefully Assess Peer-Reviewed & Gray Literature: Determine
what marine species might potentially be found in the vicinity
and arrive at distribution and
density estimates for these species.
- Use Approved Acoustic Propagation Models: Develop an accurate
simulation of the radiated sound field from each of the acoustic
sources.
- Use MAI’s Acoustic Integration Model© (AIM): Derive estimates of the number of animals of each species
potentially affected by each source.
- Work with Planners (as required) to Develop Mitigation Methods:
Reduce or eliminate adverse impacts that might result from the
experiment. If necessary, rework impact analysis based on any
changes to the experiment/operation parameters.
- Prepare Appropriate Environmental Compliance Documentation:
Provide accurate, objective compliant analysis summaries including:
Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, Biological
Review, Coastal Zone Consistency Determination, etc.
- Assist Project Officers and Counsel: Offer expertise throughout
the approval, and when required, the litigation process.
Clients and Partners:
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