We are proud to announce the publication of a research paper in the esteemed journal Nature Scientific Data. The article titled A Database of Underwater Radiated Noise from Small Vessels in the Coastal Area co-authored by M. Shipton, J. Obradović, F. Ferreira, N. Mišković, T. Bulat, N. Cukrov, and R. Diamant provides an extensive dataset of underwater noise emissions from small vessels, offering valuable insights into their environmental impact.
Underwater radiated noise (URN) from ships has been increasingly recognized as a major contributor to ocean noise pollution, affecting marine ecosystems. While extensive research has been conducted on large commercial vessels, small vessels—such as fishing boats, yachts, and speedboats—remain largely understudied due to their lack of Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking. This study addresses this gap by collecting and analyzing data from 1,148 vessel transits in the Šibenik Channel, Croatia. The study highlights that the URN of small vessels can be as significant as that of larger ships, potentially disrupting marine life. It underscores the need for improved monitoring and regulatory measures to mitigate the effects of noise pollution in coastal areas.
As a maritime robotics and sustainable blue economy technologies centre, CoE MARBLE is committed to pioneering research that bridges technological innovation with environmental conservation. This study exemplifies true dedication to producing impactful scientific contributions.
For those interested in exploring the full research findings, the paper is available online at Nature Scientific Data