Marine industries are being urged to learn from one another to better protect marine life and their environments. That is one of the findings from new research that has explored how marine industries assess their potential for cumulative impacts on mammal species such as whales, dolphins and seals in UK waters. A multi-disciplinary team led by scientists at Heriot-Watt University, explored how cumulative impacts to marine life are currently being considered for 11 industries including offshore wind farms, oil and gas decommissioning, dredging and harbour development.

Of the industries included in the review, 75% of assessments were scored as ‘weak’ or ‘very weak’ when assessing the potential cumulative impact of their activity, with just 4% of assessments considered to be ‘very strong’. The paper found construction noise was the most common stressor to be considered within assessments, included in 45% of the documents reviewed, whilst vessel noise was included in 29%.

Emily Hague, lead author of the review identifies an inconsistent approach taken by industries to implement existing legislation as a major obstacle. “Our research found that each industry assesses the cumulative stressors in different ways,” she explains. “Some are using models, collecting their own data, and utilising the latest and best available science to potentially more accurately assess their impact, whereas for others the assessments do not make it clear how, or if, they are assessing their potential cumulative impacts.

“This is worrying, as an inconsistent approach may mean that some industries are better protecting marine mammals from the potential negative effects of their activities than others.Our recommendation is to standardise practice, to ultimately ensure that marine mammals are being adequately protected from cumulative impacts.

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