Ocean Sonics‘ high-resolution icListen hydrophones are playing a key role in a comprehensive underwater noise assessment program launched by the Port of Seattle in collaboration with SLR Consulting.
The two-year initiative is designed to establish a robust baseline of underwater noise levels in and around Elliott Bay. Two strategically placed cabled monitoring stations equipped with Ocean Sonics’ icListen hydrophones allow SLR to continuously collect acoustic data.
This data helps to assess the ambient soundscape and evaluate the relative impact of Port-related noise sources such as large commercial vessels and marine construction activities.
The project integrates multiple data sources, with acoustic recordings analyzed alongside Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from commercial vessels, enabling a direct correlation between vessel movements and noise levels. Additionally, environmental data such as weather conditions and tidal activity are factored in to account for natural variability in underwater sound.
This will reportedly result in one of the most comprehensive acoustic baselines ever recorded for the port area. Once this data is analyzed, it will inform the Port’s Underwater Noise Mitigation and Management Plan, helping to set measurable targets for reducing noise pollution.
Long-term monitoring and adaptive management strategies will follow, supporting the Port’s commitment to balancing sustainable economic activity with the preservation of marine habitats, especially for sensitive species like the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales.
Ocean Sonics hydrophones are resilient, high-resolution tools for capturing real-time underwater sound, and contribute to projects that prioritize ocean health and responsible marine development. The company supports large-scale, science-driven programs that are shaping the future of sustainable ocean operations.
