NOAA/NMFS are developing Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammals: Noise Exposure Levels for Permanent and Threshold Shift Onset and Behavioral Response Zones (Seismic Surveys). This document provides guidance for assessing the effects of anthropogenic sound on marine mammal species, under the NOAA/NMFS’ jurisdiction. Specifically, it summarizes available data on noise exposure levels for onset of permanent threshold shift and temporary threshold shifts for all sound sources and behavioral response zones for seismic surveys (e.g., primary sound source is airguns). It is intended to be used by NOAA/NMFS analysts/managers and other relevant user groups/stakeholders, including other federal agencies.
NOAA/NMFS currently intend to disseminate this guidance for comment on or around August 5, 2013.