MATOS - Mid-Atlantic Acoustic Telemetry Observation System

Project Title: Influence of Turbine Construction Noise on Black Sea Bass Displacement and Physiological Condition in the MD Wind Energy Area

MATOS Project Code: MDBSB

Data Type: Data

Project Duration: June 2016 - October 2019

Project Description: The project evaluates differences in black sea bass occurrence, movement, and physiological condition between a control region (>20 km) and regions of avoidance (500-1000 m) and noise detection (2000-4000 m) associated with construction of a meteorological tower in advance of wind farm development. The influence of noise levels (recorded on broadband acoustic receivers) from separate phases of Meteorological Tower construction on black sea bass occurrence and movement data is monitored. Influence of large-scale storms on the acoustic environment and physical oceanography on black sea bass movement and migration will also be investigated utilizing the resultant data.

Principal Investigator:	David Secor (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science)
Email:	secor@umces.edu

Point of Contact:	Mike O'Brien
Email:	obrien@umces.edu

Collaborators:

Caroline Wiernicki (UMCES)

Participating Organizations:

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory

Funding:

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

UMCES Black Sea Bass & Offshore Construction