Anthropogenic light can come from multiple sources, including vessels, bridges, roads, and other marine infrastructure. (Photo by Jon Osumi | Shutterstock.com)
Anthropogenic light—human-introduced light from sources such as vessels, bridges, or roads—is an essential element of the engineered marine environment that can affect the behavior and physiology of marine species and seabirds. This year, Triton initiated research investigating anthropogenic light as a potential marine energy-related stressor to proactively study, address, and mitigate any negative effects on marine wildlife.
Triton partnered with lighting experts at Solid State Lighting Services, Inc. to review the effects of anthropogenic light on the behavior of marine species and changes to the local ecology of the marine habitat. This included a review of new lighting technology applications for marine energy devices and arrays to reduce impacts on sensitive wildlife, while still meeting necessary safety and navigation requirements. Recently, the anthropogenic light research team published their results, entitled Minimizing ecological impacts of marine energy lighting in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering and presented their research in a Triton Talks webinar. To learn more, read this Triton Story.
FIELD NOTES: FLOW NOISE RESEARCH
Triton researchers deploy a lander with hydrophones and a flow shield in Sequim Bay, Washington. (Photo by Shanon Dell | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
This year, Triton launched the Acoustic Particle Motion and Flow Noise Mitigation project. Sound waves in water have both pressure and particle motion components; however, researchers typically only measure the pressure amplitude of sound waves to quantify underwater noise effects on marine species. Recent studies have shown that several fish and invertebrates are more sensitive to the particle motion component of acoustic energy. Part of Triton’s research aims to understand how the particle motion generated by acoustic energy from a marine energy device may impact marine species and their environment.
The project also aims to reduce the pseudo-sound or noise contamination produced by the turbulence of moving water over traditional acoustic sensors that measure the pressure component of sound—or sound pressure level. To do this, Triton researchers are developing and testing various flow noise mitigation strategies, such as shields, to reduce contributions of non-acoustic pressure (e.g. turbulence).
Triton researchers deploy a lander with hydrophones and a flow shield in Sequim Bay, Washington. (Photo by Shanon Dell | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
In the first of many planned tests, the team deployed a lander in the Sequim Bay channel at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)-Sequim to test several different flow noise mitigation strategies. The lander included two hydrophones, one with a flow shield and one without, as well as an acoustic doppler velocimeter—a device used to measure water velocities. Next, the team will work with industry partners to build and test a portable, battery-operated, particle motion sensor, and hydrophone instrument. Stay tuned for future updates!
TRITON NEWS
Triton Talks Webinar: Changes in Habitat and Marine Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessments
On September 1st, join PNNL researchers for an exciting two-topic webinar on changes in habitat research and sustainability considerations for marine energy. Benthic ecologist Lenaig Hemery will discuss the Triton Field Trials changes in habitat research, and marine biologist Alicia Amerson and sustainability engineer Tyler Harris will present on marine energy sustainability considerations and life cycle assessments.
If you’ve missed any of the Triton Talks webinars, check out the full collection of recordings on the Triton Talks YouTube playlist.
ASK A RESEARCHER
Ask a Researcher is a new way to engage with the Triton team! This is your opportunity to ask us questions and provide feedback. Our team may share responses to your questions in the newsletter. Subscribe to the newsletter and keep your eyes peeled for answers to your questions. Submit your questions here.
IN OTHER ENERGY NEWS
OES-Environmental will host a public webinar, “From Science to Consenting: OES-Environmental 2022 Highlights”, from 8:00-9:00 a.m. PT (3:00-4:00 p.m. UTC) on Thursday, September 22, 2022. During this webinar the OES-Environmental team will provide updates on risk retirement, guidance documents, and outreach and engagement efforts, and will also detail current focus areas for OES-Environmental research. Register here.
Triton is designed to support the development and testing of more precise and cost-effective environmental monitoring technologies for marine energy. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory leads Triton on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office.
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