RWM/NWS has carried out, what they call, a "non-intrusive" seismic survey of the coast of Copeland. Just how they know it was non-intrusive is not precisely clear, since they applied for and got an exemption from any form of environmental; control..
Seismic surveys involve firing a compressed air hammer into the seabed and analysing the reflected shock wave. The strength and the timing of the reflected wave indicate the type of rock it bounced off and how far down it is. By doing this they can model the seabed. However, It isn't only the receivers that pick up the shockwave. Low-frequency sound travels a very long way through the ocean. It is known to completely disorientate marine mammals and fish. Whales and dolphins are particularly susceptible. A DfE survey in 2013 stated that fifty years after seismic surveys and drilling of the North Sea, marine life was recovering. Now Despite there being a wealth of information available to them NWS/RWM does not rule out doing yet more surveys off the coast of Theddlethorpe. They seem unconcerned about the effect on our seal population nor on the dolphins.