Breadcrumb
WP1
Joint action for underwater sound monitoring network implementation
UNDERSEA extended the underwater noise monitoring system successfully developed within the SOUNDSCAPE ITA-HR project.
Fourteen monitoring stations were implemented using shared protocols for data collection and analysis to assess the state of marine habitats.
The data were collected under non-COVID-19 conditions for a full year of recording and were shared in two different databases (one Italian and one HR). Specific training was conducted to transfer knowledge to new partners in order to adopt the SOUNDSCAPE protocols.
WP2
Satellite analysis for detection of boats without AIS
This section presents the key results and outputs developed, focusing on the use of satellite imagery to detect small boats and improve the understanding of boat traffic and underwater noise in the coastal Adriatic Sea. The results include the development and testing of a boat detection workflow, as well as activities involving stakeholders and citizens in data collection and validation.
WP3
Small Boat Underwater Noise Characterisation
Small boats can make a significant contribution to underwater noise pollution, particularly in the Adriatic Sea, yet their impact is still not fully understood. This work package addresses this knowledge gap by characterizing the underwater noise produced by different types of small fishing, tourism and transport boats operating in shallow waters.
The deliverables presented below summarize the main results of the field activities and stakeholder engagement, providing new knowledge and practical insights to support the development of effective noise mitigation measures and promote a healthier marine environment.
APP
Citizen science app for small boats
In this section, you can download the application developed to enable citizens to voluntarily contribute to data collection by sharing the locations of vessels detected via their smartphones. The data collected supports the assessment and characterisation of recreational boating traffic within the project areas.
WP4
Characterization of presence of relevant species by analysing acoustic recordings
A dedicated sound library of cetacean vocalisations was developed to support the analysis of underwater acoustic recordings. The library was used to identify and classify biological sound signals in the collected recordings, providing information on the presence of cetacean species in the study areas. In parallel, a series of public events was designed to increase awareness of the impacts of underwater noise and promote more responsible behaviours, while also engaging the scientific community, policymakers and relevant institutions in discussions on underwater noise reduction and its effects on marine mammals and other species.
WP5
Undewater noise pollution maps and mitigation scenarios
This section presents the key results of the underwater sound modelling activities carried out across the Adriatic Sea. The results provide an assessment of natural and vessel-related underwater noise, including noise from both AIS and non-AIS vessels, with a specific focus on the challenging conditions of the Venice Lagoon. The modelling outputs also support the assessment of potential risks to marine biodiversity and the development of noise mitigation scenarios, complemented by activities aimed at raising public awareness and engaging the scientific community.
Student's artwork
Student's artwork
In this section, you can find the videos of the artworks submitted to the Art Challenge for students from Italian and Croatian upper secondary schools. The projects were developed as part of an educational programme on underwater noise pollution, presented in the previous section, which introduced students to its impacts on the marine environment and encouraged them to express their ideas and creativity through art.