A Review of Passive Acoustics Monitoring Results in the Coastal Waters off Western Taiwan for the Past Decade

A Review of Passive Acoustics Monitoring Results in the Coastal Waters off Western Taiwan for the Past Decade

The Taiwanese government has been actively promoting green energy development, particularly in the western region, focusing on areas such as Miaoli and Changhua, which are prime locations for offshore wind power projects. Comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIAs), which include passive acoustic monitoring, are essential both before and during offshore wind farm development to mitigate auditory effects on marine organisms. This precaution is especially crucial due to the presence of the critically endangered Taiwanese humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis taiwanensis) in the western waters. This study reviews relevant literature on passive acoustic monitoring near wind farms in Miaoli and Changhua between 2013 and 2022 to elucidate the temporal and spatial variability of marine organisms, including fish and cetaceans, and the impacts on the underwater soundscape and ecosystems. The literature review unveils how dolphins' respond to vessel transits, reducing their call rates and simplifying frequency patterns during ship construction. Long-term passive acoustic data analysis highlights heightened fish call activity in Miaoli and Changhua wind farm areas during sea surface temperature rises and new moon phases. These extensive passive monitoring initiatives not only foster harmonious coexistence of offshore wind farm development and underwater ecosystems, but also inform the formulation of precise regulatory frameworks, ecological conservation measures, and technical recommendations for future endeavors.