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

Submit data (JNCC)

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

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