2019_programme: UNDERWATER NOISE MAPS OF THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA

• Session: 06. Underwater Noise - Modelling and Measurements
  Organiser(s): Gavrilov Alexander, Skarsoulis Emmanuel, Taroudakis Michael
• Lecture: UNDERWATER NOISE MAPS OF THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
  Paper ID: 940
  Author(s): Le Courtois Florent, Bidenbach Emeric, Kinda G. Bazile, Felis Ivan, Lara Guillermo
  Presenter: Kinda Bazile
  Presentation type: oral
  Abstract: Noise from shipping activities is considered as an anthropogenic pressure that could impact ecosystems. Noise maps provide relevant tool to assess the anthropogenic pressure and infer risk on animal populations. To answer the Marine Strategy Framework Directive regarding underwater noise pollution requirements, QuietMED Project aims to initiate capacity building among European Member states around Mediterranean Sea.\nThis work presents results on noise mapping in the Western part of the Mediterranean Sea. AIS densities were computed for daily and monthly durations. Emission levels of the ships are computed from updated RANDI 3 model. Propagation losses were computed using RAM with several spatial resolutions. The main outcomes were investigated to provide the most robust assessment of anthropogenic noise, in particular regarding modelling errors and AIS comprehensiveness.\nFinally, recording station was operated in the south of Cabrera Island (Spain) at 100 m deep for 19 days in January 2018. Additional hourly noise simulations are computed to compare to the measurements. The comparison shows good agreement for the 63 Hz and 125 Hz one-third octave bands, assumed to be frequency bands where noise from shipping activities may be the main contribution. This case-study provides a prime framework for validation of ambient noise model.
• Corresponding author: Dr Le Courtois Florent
  Affiliation: Shom
  Country: France
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