The “SOUNDSCAPE: Soundscapes in the North Adriatic Sea and their impact on marine biological resources” project includes creation of a cross-border scientific and institutional cooperation which will increase the current knowledge on the underwater noise and the human activities that significantly contribute to it in order to ensure efficient protection of the sensitive marine species and sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems. Current gaps in the knowledge on underwater noise will be filled by implementing continuous one-year monitoring of underwater noise in the sea by using the autonomous recording systems. In addition, advanced sound propagation modelling will provide information on the spatial distribution of noise and variations in the noise levels in relation to human activities ongoing in the wider area of northern Adriatic Sea.

SOUNDSCAPE project will also contribute on identifying effective measures to be considered within maritime spatial plans and is in accordance with Descriptor 11 of Marine Strategy Framework Directive that points out to the need to monitor and manage underwater noise to achieve Good Environmental Status by 2020.

Blue World Institute is a partner on the project SOUNDSCAPE which is funded through the European Union CBC Programme Interreg Italy-Croatia (priority axis 3). Project represents collaboration between 8 partners from Italy and Croatia including CNR-ISMAR Venice, ARPA FVG, Fondazione Cetacea and others while the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries is the leading partner. The project started in January 2019 and will last for 30 months. The total project budget is € 2.146.040,50 and EU funds 85% of the project costs. SOUNDSCAPE has been evaluated as one of the top ten projects accepted for financing under Priority axis 3: Environment and cultural heritage and within Specific Objective 3.2: Contribute to protect and restore biodiversity.

Project coordinator in Blue World Institute is dr. Nikolina Rako – Gospić.