JNCC guidelines for minimising the risk of injury to marine mammals from geophysical surveys (link)
Sound generated from geophysical survey sources can cause injuries (such as hearing damage) and disturbance to marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals. Seismic surveys also have the potential to result in an offence of causing deliberate injury or disturbance under UK regulations.
The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) have developed guidelines on mitigation measures that must be implemented during geophysical surveys. These guidelines have been adopted as part of the consenting regime for geophysical activities to reduce the risk of deliberate injury to marine mammals. It is considered that compliance with these guidelines constitutes best practice.
Source: JNCC