Review on Generation Mechanisms, Monitoring Methods and Control Technologies of Underwater Noise from Offshore Wind Power

Abstract

Offshore wind power development is expanding from nearshore fixed projects to large-capacity, clustered and deep-sea floating projects. As a result, underwater noise generated during construction, operation and decommissioning activities has become a key constraint in environmental impact assessment and engineering permitting. Based on relevant journal studies published publicly from 2016 to 2025, this paper systematically compares the acoustic characteristics of impact pile driving, structural vibration during operation, floating mooring systems and decommissioning operations along the chain of "sound source - structural transmission - marine propagation - monitoring characterization - ecological response - engineering control". It summarizes the applicable boundaries of empirical models, parabolic equation models and structure-fluid-acoustic coupling models, and concludes the combined application of hydrophones, vibration sensors, passive acoustic monitoring and acoustic telemetry. The review shows that relatively complete technical systems have been formed for the prediction and bubble curtain control of impulse noise during construction. The source intensity of low-frequency narrow-band noise during operation varies significantly with unit operating conditions, foundation forms and environmental conditions, and long-term ecological evidence remains insufficient. Evaluating the exposure of fish and invertebrates only by sound pressure may omit particle motion and seabed vibration. In the future, a standardized whole-life-cycle monitoring database should be established, and multi-physics models, ecological dose-response relationships and regional cumulative impact assessment should be incorporated into the same decision-making framework.