Multi-site validation of shipping noise maps using field measurements

Underwater radiated noise from shipping is globally pervasive and can cause deleterious effects on marine life, ranging from behavioural responses to physiological effects. Acoustic modelling makes it possible to map this noise over large areas and long timescales, and to test mitigation scenarios s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2022-06, Vol.179, p.113733-113733, Article 113733
Main Authors: Putland, R.L., de Jong, C.A.F., Binnerts, B., Farcas, A., Merchant, N.D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acoustic mapping
Acoustics
Ambient noise
Anthropogenic factors
Behavioural responses
Mitigation
Modelling
Monitoring
Noise
Noise monitoring
Noise pollution
North Sea
Physiological effects
Ship speed
Shipping
Shipping noise
Ships
Uncertainty
Underwater
Underwater noise
Validation
Wind
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Summary:Underwater radiated noise from shipping is globally pervasive and can cause deleterious effects on marine life, ranging from behavioural responses to physiological effects. Acoustic modelling makes it possible to map this noise over large areas and long timescales, and to test mitigation scenarios such as ship speed reduction or spatial restrictions. However, such maps must be validated against measurements to ensure confidence in their predictions. This study carried out a multi-site validation of the monthly and annual shipping noise maps for 2019 produced as part of the Joint Monitoring of Ambient Noise in the North Sea (JOMOPANS) programme. Spectral, spatial, and temporal differences between predictions and measurements were analysed, with differences linked to uncertainty in model input data and additional sources of anthropogenic noise in the measurements. Validating shipping noise models in this way ensures they can be applied with confidence in future management decisions to address shipping noise pollution. [Display omitted] •Underwater noise from shipping can adversely affect aquatic species which rely on sound.•Management of shipping noise requires a coordinated international response.•To guide future policy decisions, validated noise maps are needed.•Modelled noise maps of the North Sea were validated using field measurements.•We discuss the process of validation and identify causes of discrepancy.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113733