Continuous monitoring of noise levels in the Gulf of Catania (Ionian Sea). Study of correlation with ship traffic

Mar Pollut Bull. 2017 Aug 15;121(1-2):97-103. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.05.040. Epub 2017 May 28.

Abstract

Acoustic noise levels were measured in the Gulf of Catania (Ionian Sea) from July 2012 to May 2013 by a low frequency (<1000Hz) hydrophone, installed on board the NEMO-SN1 multidisciplinary observatory. NEMO-SN1 is a cabled node of EMSO-ERIC, which was deployed at a water depth of 2100m, 25km off Catania. The study area is characterized by the proximity of mid-size harbors and shipping lanes. Measured noise levels were correlated with the passage of ships tracked with a dedicated AIS antenna. Noise power was measured in the frequency range between 10Hz and 1000Hz. Experimental data were compared with the results of a fast numerical model based on AIS data to evaluate the contribution of shipping noise in six consecutive 1/3 octave frequency bands, including the 1/3 octave frequency bands centered at 63Hz and 125Hz, indicated by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC).

Keywords: AIS; Deep-sea cabled observatory; EMSO-ERIC; EU marine strategy; Ionian Sea; Shipping noise.

MeSH terms

  • Acoustics
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Noise*
  • Ships*
  • Water

Substances

  • Water