Comparing distribution of harbour porpoise using Generalized Additive Models and hierarchical Bayesian models with Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation

Open Access via Elsevier agreement Acknowledgments We thank colleagues at the University of Aberdeen, Moray First Marine, NERI, Hi-Def Aerial Surveying Ltd and Ravenair for essential support in the field, particularly Tim Barton, Bill Ruck, Rasmus Nielson and Dave Rutter. L.D.W. was supported by the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS), the University of Aberdeen and Marine Scotland Science. Collaboration between the University of Aberdeen and Marine Scotland was supported by the Marine Collaboration Research Forum (MarCRF). Digital aerial surveys in 2010 were funded by Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd and 2014 by Marine Scotland. Additional funding for analysis of the combined datasets was provided by Marine Scotland. Collaboration between the University of Aberdeen and Marine Scotland was supported by MarCRF.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Vocalizations of baleen whales

Many baleen (mysticete) whales produce high-intensity calls, the frequency content of which resides primarily in a band below 1 kHz. Consequently, there is a reasonable probability of vocalising animals being detected on hydrophones designed to collect marine-acousticgeophysical data, such as towed and bottom-mounted seismic streamers. This represents an opportunity to collect potentially untapped data on whale distribution and behaviour over broad spatial scales.The objectives of this chapter are to present those with geophysical-research backgrounds an opportunity to recognise and classify frequently encountered whale sounds in the field. The chapter provides an introduction on general classification and description of marine mammals, a brief physical description of sound, followed by the range of vocalisations produced by baleen whales on a species-by-species basis.<br/

Offshore decommissioning horizon scan : Research priorities to support decision-making activities for oil and gas infrastructure

Thousands of oil and gas structures have been installed in the world's oceans over the past 70 years to meet the population's reliance on hydrocarbons. Over the last decade, there has been increased concern over how to handle decommissioning of this infrastructure when it reaches the end of its operational life. Complete or partial removal may or may not present the best option when considering potential impacts on the environment, society, technical feasibility, economy, and future asset liability. Re-purposing of offshore structures may also be a valid legal option under international maritime law where robust evidence exists to support this option. Given the complex nature of decommissioning offshore infrastructure, a global horizon scan was undertaken, eliciting input from an interdisciplinary cohort of 35 global experts to develop the top ten priority research needs to further inform decommissioning decisions and advance our understanding of their potential impacts. The highest research priorities included: (1) an assessment of impacts of contaminants and their acceptable environmental limits to reduce potential for ecological harm; (2) defining risk and acceptability thresholds in policy/governance; (3) characterising liability issues of ongoing costs and responsibility; and (4) quantification of impacts to ecosystem services. The remaining top ten priorities included: (5) quantifying ecological connectivity; (6) assessing marine life productivity; (7) determining feasibility of infrastructure re-use; (8) identification of stakeholder views and values; (9) quantification of greenhouse gas emissions; and (10) developing a transdisciplinary decommissioning decision-making process. Addressing these priorities will help inform policy development and governance frameworks to provide industry and stakeholders with a clearer path forward for offshore decommissioning. The principles and framework developed in this paper are equally applicable for informing responsible decommissioning of offshore renewable energy infrastructure, in particular wind turbines, a field that is accelerating rapidly