A review on the interactions between engineering and marine life: key information for engineering professionals

Abstract

AbstractMarine life both affects and is affected by coastal, marine and offshore engineering. As engineering projects have become larger, more frequent and more complex, hence has the number and type of interactions with marine life. Engineers are looking for more information about these interactions so they can better mitigate against any harmful effects to marine life and enhance any positive impacts. This review aims to fill this purpose, giving professional engineers a broad understanding of the impacts that marine engineering projects can cause to marine life and to suggesting some “best practice” mitigation strategies. The review considers the interactions between engineering projects and marine life from three perspectives with a specific example given in each case. First, potential mitigation measures are discussed in the context of offshore windfarms. Secondly, the issue of engineering noise affecting marine species in different ways. Lastly, the engineering solutions employed in the “Great Barrier Reef (GBR) Restoration Project” is exampled. Environmental Impact Assessments used by managers must reference up-to-date and detailed data from biological surveys so that local species that are vulnerable to the specific engineering activities can be identified. The mitigation activities must include acoustic mitigation, be scalable and affordable. This review highlights the need for engineers to liaise closely with marine scientists and biologists to ensure that solutions are appropriate and do not have unexpected or indirect consequences to marine life.