Underwater noise surveys are predominantly collected throughout the early stages of an offshore project. The data is used to inform understanding of the baseline underwater noise seascape and to monitor and mitigate the impacts of offshore activities that have the potential to generate significant levels of noise.

Underwater noise can come from a variety of sources, including natural and human actities. Natural noise can include sound created by waves, foraging animals and seabed movement, but human activity can mask many of these sounds that are used by marine animals for communication and to find food.

Underwater noise studies can be used to assess the impact of offshore activities, including the installation of offshore wind turbines and the safe detonation of unexploded ordnance that are still found on the seabed from WWI and WWII.

The data also improves our understanding of anthropogenic noise pollution in UK waters.