Measures to reduce antropogenic noise in the sea
Ukrepi za zmanjševanje antropogenega hrupa v morju

english

2025

volume 38, issue 69

anthropogenic underwater noise   big air bubble curtains   hydro sound dampers   noise mitigation   policy   speed reduction of ships   underwater noise regulations

Univerza v Ljubljani, Fakulteta za gradbeništvo in geodezijo
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

This study aimed to review the measures for anthropogenic underwater noise reduction in European countries. The methodology for the literature review was based on specific keywords described in the paper. Selection criteria for including (and excluding) studies were based on underwater noise generated by anthropogenic activities (i.e. impact pile driving, seismic surveys, marine traffic) in seawater. The main operational measure to reduce continuous noise from vessel traffic is speed reduction. The most commonly implemented measures to reduce impulsive noise due to pile driving and the use of explosives are bubble curtains and hydro sound dampers, while essential measures to reduce impulsive noise due to seismic surveys are low-frequency acoustic sources. National approaches (e.g. Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, France, Slovenia) and regional guidelines (HELCOM, OSPAR, ACCOBAMS, IMO, CMS) show a high level of convergence in recommended technologies and environmental practices to reduce underwater noise. Harmonization of mitigation measures across European countries is critical for achieving a Good Environmental Status (GES) under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC). Underwater noise mitigation measures aligned with the international guidelines, national reports, and scientific literature reviewed in this paper form the basis for developing national programs of measures and regulatory frameworks to manage underwater noise in the marine environment.

07.10.2026