Submit data to the Marine Noise Registry
Defra and Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) have developed a new Marine Noise Registry (MNR) to record human activities in UK seas that produce loud, medium and low frequency (10Hz – 10kHz) impulsive noise.
The MNR collects information on the noisy activities (during the planning stages) and actual location and date data (after the activity has been completed).
How this affects a marine licence
When we issue a marine licence that cover noisy activities they will include licence conditions requiring the applicant to submit data to the Marine Noise Registry.
Noise activities that need to be registered
- Impact Pile Driving
- Geophysical surveys (seismic, sub bottom profiling and multibeam echosounders)
- Explosives
- Military related sonar
- Acoustic deterrent devices
Where available, MNR collect source property data (in line with TG noise guidance), which includes:-
- Frequency
- Maximum air gun volume
- Maximum hammer energy
- TNT equivalent
- Sound pressure level
- Sound exposure level
Non-licensable noise activities that can be voluntarily provided
We encourage the registration of all noise activity in the marine environment, including activities which do not require a Marine Licence. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Seismic survey
- Sub bottom profiling
- Multibeam echosounders
Register the information
Marine licensing in Wales
Understanding when and where noisy activities take place will help us define the baseline level for impulsive noise in UK waters. It will also inform our research and decisions on the impacts of noise, particularly on vulnerable species like cetaceans, whales, dolphins and porpoise.
If you have any queries you can contact the Marine Licensing Team at marinelicensing@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk