Hydroacoustic Impacts on Fish from Pile Installation

Bridges, ferry terminals, and other structures commonly have driven-pile foundations, and pile driving can cause effects on fish ranging from altered behavior, hearing loss, and tissue injuries to immediate mortality. The objective of NCHRP Project 25-28 was to develop guidelines for the prediction and mitigation of the negative impacts on fish from underwater sound pressure during pile and casing installation and removal. This digest summarizes the study background, methods, and results. It also provides suggestions for future research needed to attain the goal of designing future pile driving projects with options for protection of animals.