SEANOISE: Reduction of noise pollution from vessels to the benefit of fish and marine mammals

Vessels constitute the overwhelmingly dominant noise source at sea, but despite documented negative effects of vessel noise on marine life, there is essentially no national or international regulation of this extensive noise pollution. EU has in 2022 established limits for good environmental status for underwater noise. Preliminary data suggest that less than 15% of vessels produce more than 50% of the noise. In this project, the hypothesis is tested, by focusing on the noisiest ships, with the purpose of bringing substantial environmental improvements for both fish and marine mammals. Data can contribute to an informed basis for noise emission limits for vessels in marine protected areas and at sea in general, which can contribute substantially to marine environmental conditions.