6. Noosa River DMP Ver0 (Combined)

5.5 Noise
The production and reception of particular sounds are important to many marine fauna species,
particularly marine mammals. Noise generated by dredging has the potential to adversely affect
marine fauna as it will form a persistent source of underwater noise that will intermittently
continue for the duration of works. Increases to ambient noise levels may mask vocalisations,
interfere with dolphin sonar signals or alter fauna behaviour (i.e. noise avoidance).

It is expected that marine fauna will avoid the source of underwater noise and their immediate
surrounds. Once operations have been completed, avoidance behaviour is expected to cease.

5.6      Debris, Spills and Contaminants
Injury and fatality to vertebrate marine life caused by ingestion of, or entanglement in, harmful
marine debris is listed as a key threatening process under the Commonwealth Environmental
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

It is suggested that dredge contractors have protocols in place for minimising and ameliorating
impacts from spills and accidental release of contaminants.




Noosa River                                                                              Page 14
Marine Plant Impact Assessment
Project Number: BC-20067