Member State report / Art11 / 2014-2020 / D11 / Croatia / Mediterranean: Adriatic Sea
Report type | Member State report to Commission |
MSFD Article | Art. 11 Monitoring programmes (and Art. 17 updates) |
Report due | 2014-10-15; 2020-10-15 |
GES Descriptor | D11 Energy, incl. underwater noise |
Member State | Croatia |
Region/subregion | Mediterranean: Adriatic Sea |
Reported by | Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia |
Report date | 2014-09-04; 2020-10-15 |
Report access |
2014 data
2020 data
Monitoring programme | Monitoring programme name | MP_D11 |
MP_D11 |
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Monitoring programme | Reference existing programme | MADHR-D11 |
MADHR-D11 |
Monitoring programme | Marine Unit ID |
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Q4e - Programme ID | MADHR-D11 |
MADHR-D11 |
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Q4f - Programme description | Effects that are known are generated by a variety of types of sound and different organisms have differing sensitivities to sound (both pressure and particle motion). The result is that it is not possible to provide one measurement to describe the effect. A combination of different characteristics/measurements is thus required. There is currently insufficient data to provide a quantitative assessment of the current status and trends of underwater noise in the Adriatic Sea due to a lack of available information from comprehensive monitoring studies. |
Effects that are known are generated by a variety of types of sound and different organisms have differing sensitivities to sound (both pressure and particle motion). The result is that it is not possible to provide one measurement to describe the effect. A combination of different characteristics/measurements is thus required. There is currently insufficient data to provide a quantitative assessment of the current status and trends of underwater noise in the Adriatic Sea due to a lack of available information from comprehensive monitoring studies. |
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Q5e - Natural variability |
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Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Adequate data | Y |
Y |
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Established methods | Y |
Y |
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Adequate understanding of GES | Y |
Y |
Q5d - Adequacy for assessment of GES | Q5d - Adequate capacity | Y |
Y |
Q5f - Description of programme for GES assessment | Within the project “Consulting services for the definition of the Monitoring and Observation system for ongoing assessment of the Adriatic Sea“ (Adriatic sea monitoring program) initial underwater noise measurements on three positions in two seasonal periods were carried out. Existing equipment and methodology has been tested and useful and interesting results attained. However, increases in construction activities and seismic surveys are likely to have contributed to increases in impulsive noise levels, whilst increases in shipping activities, especially seasonal touristic and leisure traffic, have resulted in an increase in ambient noise levels. |
Within the project “Consulting services for the definition of the Monitoring and Observation system for ongoing assessment of the Adriatic Sea“ (Adriatic sea monitoring program) initial underwater noise measurements on three positions in two seasonal periods were carried out. Existing equipment and methodology has been tested and useful and interesting results attained. However, increases in construction activities and seismic surveys are likely to have contributed to increases in impulsive noise levels, whilst increases in shipping activities, especially seasonal touristic and leisure traffic, have resulted in an increase in ambient noise levels. |
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Q5g - Gap-filling date for GES assessment | By2018 |
By2018 |
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Q5h - Plans to implement monitoring for GES assessment | |||
Q6a -Relevant targets | Q6a - Environmental target | ||
Q6a -Relevant targets | Q6a - Associated indicator | ||
Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets | Q6b_SuitableData | Y |
Y |
Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets | Q6b_EstablishedMethods | Y |
Y |
Q6b - Adequacy for assessment of targets | Q6d_AdequateCapacity | Y |
Y |
Q6c - Target updating | Y |
Y |
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Q6d - Description of programme for targets assessment | Due to the high level of uncertainty about the effects of noise, it has not been possible to set a specific target for either impulsive sounds or ambient sounds. Instead, an operational target has been proposed. This approach is chosen to enable better monitoring, understanding and managing the impacts of noise in the following period. The operational targets aim to address the cumulative impacts of noise generating activities on the behavior of noise sensitive marine species and aim to monitor trends in ambient noise level which is likely to increase due to increases in shipping activities, especially seasonal touristic and leisure traffic. |
Due to the high level of uncertainty about the effects of noise, it has not been possible to set a specific target for either impulsive sounds or ambient sounds. Instead, an operational target has been proposed. This approach is chosen to enable better monitoring, understanding and managing the impacts of noise in the following period. The operational targets aim to address the cumulative impacts of noise generating activities on the behavior of noise sensitive marine species and aim to monitor trends in ambient noise level which is likely to increase due to increases in shipping activities, especially seasonal touristic and leisure traffic. |
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Q6e - Gap-filling date for targets assessment | By2018 |
By2018 |
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Q6f - Plans to implement monitoring for targets assessment | |||
Q7a - Relevant activities |
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Q7b - Description of monitoring of activities | Further research, monitoring and investigation is necessary to fully understand the effects of noise at an individual and population level, the risks and significance of sound inputs to the environment, and appropriate options for mitigation. Croatia is the participant in the EU Technical Group on Underwater Noise and other forms of energy (TG Noise), established by the EC to assist in developing a coordinated approach to this Descriptor 11, so is well-placed to implement the approaches to target setting proposed by TSG. Regional cooperation on coordinated approach to Descriptor 11 in the Adriatic Sea is necessary as well. |
Further research, monitoring and investigation is necessary to fully understand the effects of noise at an individual and population level, the risks and significance of sound inputs to the environment, and appropriate options for mitigation. Croatia is the participant in the EU Technical Group on Underwater Noise and other forms of energy (TG Noise), established by the EC to assist in developing a coordinated approach to this Descriptor 11, so is well-placed to implement the approaches to target setting proposed by TSG. Regional cooperation on coordinated approach to Descriptor 11 in the Adriatic Sea is necessary as well. |
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Q7c - Relevant measures | |||
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Adequate data | ||
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Established methods | ||
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Adequate understanding of GES | ||
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Adequate capacity | ||
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Addresses activities and pressures | ||
Q7e - Adequacy for assessment of measures | Q7d - Addresses effectiveness of measures | ||
Q7d - Description of monitoring for measures | |||
Q7f - Gap-filling date for activities and measures | By2014 |
By2014 |
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Q8a - Links to existing Monitoring Programmes |
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Reference sub-programme | Sub-programme ID | MADHR-D11-01 |
MADHR-D11-02 |
Reference sub-programme | Sub-programme name | Diffuse underwater noise - distribution, frequency and levels |
Diffuse underwater noise - distribution, frequency and levels |
Q4g - Sub-programmes | Sub-programme ID | MADHR-D11-01 |
MADHR-D11-02 |
Q4g - Sub-programmes | Sub-programme name | Diffuse underwater noise - distribution, frequency and levels |
Diffuse underwater noise - distribution, frequency and levels |
Q4k - Monitoring purpose | Activities |
Pressurse |
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Q4l - Links of monitoring programmes of other Directives and Conventions | Within the project “Consulting services for the definition of the Monitoring and Observation system for ongoing assessment of the Adriatic Sea“ (Adriatic sea monitoring program) initial underwater noise measurements on three positions in two seasonal periods were carried out. Existing equipment and methodology has been tested and useful and interesting results attained. |
Within the project “Consulting services for the definition of the Monitoring and Observation system for ongoing assessment of the Adriatic Sea“ (Adriatic sea monitoring program) initial underwater noise measurements on three positions in two seasonal periods were carried out. Existing equipment and methodology has been tested and useful and interesting results attained. |
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Q5c - Features | Q5c - Habitats |
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Q5c - Features | Q5c - Species list |
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Q5c - Features | Q5c - Physical/Chemical features | ||
Q5c - Features | Q5c - Pressures |
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Q9a - Elements |
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Q5a - GES criteria | Relevant GES criteria |
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Q5b - GES indicators | Relevant GES indicators |
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Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species distribution | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species population size | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species population characteristics | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Species impacts | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat distribution | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat extent | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat condition (physical-chemical) | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat condition (biological) | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (state/impact) | Habitat impacts | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (pressures) | Pressure input | ||
Q9b - Parameters monitored (pressures) | Pressure output |
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Q9b - Parameters monitored (activity) | Activity | ||
Q9b Parameters monitored (other) | Other | ||
Q41 Spatial scope | WFD_CW TerritorialWaters |
WFD_CW TerritorialWaters |
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Q4j - Description of spatial scope | Continuous noise may degrade the sound habitat, masking biologically relevant signals such as echolocation clicks, making it harder or impossible to find a mate, locate food or detect predators. Impulsive sounds can lead to a variety of behavioural reactions such as avoidance of feeding or breeding areas, or may result in physiological effects such as temporary or permanent damage to hearing organs, and at very high levels, even death. There is currently insufficient data to provide a quantitative assessment of the current status and trends of underwater noise in the Adriatic Sea due to a lack of available information from comprehensive monitoring studies. |
Continuous noise may degrade the sound habitat, masking biologically relevant signals such as echolocation clicks, making it harder or impossible to find a mate, locate food or detect predators. Impulsive sounds can lead to a variety of behavioural reactions such as avoidance of feeding or breeding areas, or may result in physiological effects such as temporary or permanent damage to hearing organs, and at very high levels, even death. There is currently insufficient data to provide a quantitative assessment of the current status and trends of underwater noise in the Adriatic Sea due to a lack of available information from comprehensive monitoring studies. |
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Marine Unit IDs |
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Q4h - Temporal scope | Start date- End date | 2013-9999 |
2013-9999 |
Q9h - Temporal resolution of sampling |
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Q9c - Monitoring method | Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part I:Executive Summary, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26557 EN, Publications Office of the European Union,
Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/29293
Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part II:Monitoring Guidance Specifications, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26555 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/27158
Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part III:Background Information and Annexes, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26556 EN, Publications Office of the
European Union, Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/2808
Sampling procedure has been described in Marasović I., Krstulović, N., Leder, N., Lončar, G., Precali, R., Šolić, M., Lončar,.G., Beg- Paklar, G., Bojanić, N., Cvitković, I., Dadić, V., Despalatović, M., Dulčić, J., Grbec, B., Kušpilić, G., Ninčević-Gladan, Ž., P. Tutman, Ujević, I., Vrgoč, N., Vukadin, P., Žuljević, A. Coastal cities water pollution control project, Part C1: Monitoring and Observation System for Ongoing Assessment of the Adriatic sea under the Adriatic sea Monitoring Programme, Phase II. Interim report (IR), December, 2013. (Ftp://baltazar.izor.hr) |
Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part I:Executive Summary, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26557 EN, Publications Office of the European Union,
Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/29293
Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part II:Monitoring Guidance Specifications, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26555 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/27158
Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part III:Background Information and Annexes, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26556 EN, Publications Office of the
European Union, Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/2808
Sampling procedure has been described in Marasović I., Krstulović, N., Leder, N., Lončar, G., Precali, R., Šolić, M., Lončar,.G., Beg- Paklar, G., Bojanić, N., Cvitković, I., Dadić, V., Despalatović, M., Dulčić, J., Grbec, B., Kušpilić, G., Ninčević-Gladan, Ž., P. Tutman, Ujević, I., Vrgoč, N., Vukadin, P., Žuljević, A. Coastal cities water pollution control project, Part C1: Monitoring and Observation System for Ongoing Assessment of the Adriatic sea under the Adriatic sea Monitoring Programme, Phase II. Interim report (IR), December, 2013. (Ftp://baltazar.izor.hr) |
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Q9d - Description of alteration to method | |||
Q9e - Quality assurance | |||
Q9f - Quality control | DelayedValidation |
DelayedValidation |
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Q9g - Spatial resolution of sampling | Q9g - Proportion of area covered % | ||
Q9g - Spatial resolution of sampling | Q9g - No. of samples | ||
Q9i - Description of sample representivity | Distribution in time and place of loud, low and mid frequency impulsive sounds.
Continuous registration of all antropogenic activities causing impulse noise.
Establishing a registry to record, assess, and manage the distribution and timing of anthropogenic sound sources measured over the frequency band 10 Hz to 10 kHz, exceeding the energy source level as proposed in method under 9c. |
Continuous low frequency sound.
Monitoring trends (by measurement stations) in the ambient noise level within the 1/3 octave bands 63 and 125 Hz (centre frequency) as proposed in method under 9c. |
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Q10a - Scale for aggregation of data |
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Q10b - Other scale for aggregation of data | |||
Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data type | DataProducts |
DataProducts |
Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data access mechanism | LocationNationalDC |
LocationNationalDC |
Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data access rights | Open |
Open |
Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - INSPIRE standard | SeaRegions |
SeaRegions |
Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c Date data are available | 2018-10 |
2018-10 |
Q10c - Access to monitoring data | Q10c - Data update frequency | Yearly |
6monthly |
Q10d - Description of data access | In accordance to the Regulation on development and implementation of documents of Strategy for Management of Marine and Coastal Areas (O.G. 112/14), Croatian Environment Agency is in charge of developing Marine Information System. Data and information regarding all elements of the Strategy collected by competent authorities should be available for needs of the System. The System is still under development. |
In accordance to the Regulation on development and implementation of documents of Strategy for Management of Marine and Coastal Areas (O.G. 112/14), Croatian Environment Agency is in charge of developing Marine Information System. Data and information regarding all elements of the Strategy collected by competent authorities should be available for needs of the System. The System is still under development. |
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Descriptor |
D11 |
D11 |
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Monitoring strategy description |
The monitoring strategy for D11C1 and D11C2 at the moment is mostly based on several EU projects that are currently taking place and the TG Noise recommendations that will work towards defining threshold values. QuietMED2 project is funded by Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission, it is focused on impulsive noise in the Mediterranean Region, and it will provide practical outcomes through a joint proposal of a candidate for an impulsive noise indicator in the Mediterranean Region and a common methodology for Competent Authorities to establish threshold values, together with associated lists of elements and integration rules. This should lead to an establishment of a joint register of impulsive underwater noise in the Mediterranean Sea Region. Within the project Monitoring and Observation System within the Implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in Croatia measurements on four positions in two seasonal periods are being carried out regularly. Moreover, Interreg Italy-Croatia project SOUNDSCAPE works on creating a cross-border technical, scientific and institutional cooperation to face the challenge of assessing the impact of underwater environmental noise on the marine fauna and in general on the Northern Adriatic ecosystem. A shared monitoring network is being implemented, that will provide a yearlong continuous noise data in the Northern Adriatic, which will be integrated into modelling tools to create more general view of the soundscapes in the region. |
The monitoring strategy for D11C1 and D11C2 at the moment is mostly based on several EU projects that are currently taking place and the TG Noise recommendations that will work towards defining threshold values. QuietMED2 project is funded by Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission, it is focused on impulsive noise in the Mediterranean Region, and it will provide practical outcomes through a joint proposal of a candidate for an impulsive noise indicator in the Mediterranean Region and a common methodology for Competent Authorities to establish threshold values, together with associated lists of elements and integration rules. This should lead to an establishment of a joint register of impulsive underwater noise in the Mediterranean Sea Region. Within the project Monitoring and Observation System within the Implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in Croatia measurements on four positions in two seasonal periods are being carried out regularly. Moreover, Interreg Italy-Croatia project SOUNDSCAPE works on creating a cross-border technical, scientific and institutional cooperation to face the challenge of assessing the impact of underwater environmental noise on the marine fauna and in general on the Northern Adriatic ecosystem. A shared monitoring network is being implemented, that will provide a yearlong continuous noise data in the Northern Adriatic, which will be integrated into modelling tools to create more general view of the soundscapes in the region. |
Coverage of GES criteria |
Adequate monitoring is in place by July 2020 |
Adequate monitoring is in place by July 2020 |
Gaps and plans |
There is no law on the register of impulsive underwater noise and corresponding data, which is the gap of MSFD implementation in Croatia. At the moment, the text of technical requirements for future law is under preparation. Results of the QuietMED2 project and resulting activities at the national level will help in its adoption. The spatial and temporal resolution of continuous noise monitoring has been significantly improved recently, new instruments were obtained, and additional stations are being used to expand the monitoring network. The upgrades in continuous noise monitoring are also expected through cross-regional cooperation and soundscape modelling. |
There is no law on the register of impulsive underwater noise and corresponding data, which is the gap of MSFD implementation in Croatia. At the moment, the text of technical requirements for future law is under preparation. Results of the QuietMED2 project and resulting activities at the national level will help in its adoption. The spatial and temporal resolution of continuous noise monitoring has been significantly improved recently, new instruments were obtained, and additional stations are being used to expand the monitoring network. The upgrades in continuous noise monitoring are also expected through cross-regional cooperation and soundscape modelling. |
Related targets |
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Coverage of targets |
Adequate monitoring is in place by July 2020 |
Adequate monitoring is in place by July 2020 |
Related measures |
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Coverage of measures |
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Related monitoring programmes |
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Programme code |
MADHR-D11-03 |
MADHR-D11-04 |
Programme name |
Impulsive underwater noise- distribution, frequency and levels |
Continuous underwater noise - distributiin, frequency and levels |
Update type |
Modified from 2014 |
Modified from 2014 |
Old programme codes |
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Programme description |
Impulsive sounds can lead to a variety of behavioural reactions such as avoidance of feeding or breeding areas, or may result in physiological effects such as temporary or permanent damage to hearing organs, and at very high levels, even death.
Criteria D11C1 will be realized through the establishment of an underwater impulse noise occurrence register. The register should provide information on the number of days within an area where the pulse level is
or a series of noise pulses exceeded a certain threshold. These sound levels refer to the relevant frequency band 10 Hz - 10 kHz. |
Continuous noise may degrade the sound habitat, masking biologically relevant signals such as echolocation clicks, making it harder or impossible to find a mate, locate food or detect predators.
The element of criterion D11C2 will be realized through monitoring the spatial-temporal distribution of low and medium frequency continuous noise levels and trend monitoring. This is possible in two ways:
by measuring and modeling noise propagation. In Commission Decision 2017/848 / EU requires monitoring of the spatial-temporal distribution of levels continuous low and medium frequency noise in tertiary bands of 63 Hz and 125 Hz. As the measurement methodology is such that the measurement is performed in a wider frequency range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz, the parameters to be used in determining the element of criterion D11C2 are the levels of continuous low and medium frequency noise in all third bands within the frequency range of 20 Hz - 10 kHz. Trends will be monitored on all third bands, and also on the overall level within the entire frequency range. |
Monitoring purpose |
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Other policies and conventions |
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Regional cooperation - coordinating body |
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Regional cooperation - countries involved |
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Regional cooperation - implementation level |
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Monitoring details |
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Features |
Impulsive sound in water
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Continuous low frequency sound
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Impulsive sound in water
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Continuous low frequency sound
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Impulsive sound in water
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Continuous low frequency sound
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Impulsive sound in water
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Continuous low frequency sound
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Elements |
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GES criteria |
D11C1 |
D11C2 |
Parameters |
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Parameter Other |
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Spatial scope |
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Marine reporting units |
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Temporal scope (start date - end date) |
2021-2026 |
2021-2026 |
Monitoring frequency |
As needed |
2-yearly |
Monitoring type |
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Monitoring method |
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Monitoring method other |
Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part I:Executive Summary, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26557 EN, Publications Office of the European Union,
Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/29293
Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part II:Monitoring Guidance Specifications, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26555 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/27158
Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part III:Background Information and Annexes, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26556 EN, Publications Office of the
European Union, Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/2808
Sampling procedure has been described in Marasovic I., Krstulovic, N., Leder, N., Loncar, G., Precali, R., Šolic, M., Loncar,.G., Beg- Paklar, G., Bojanic, N., Cvitkovic, I., Dadic, V., Despalatovic, M., Dulcic, J., Grbec, B., Kušpilic, G., Nincevic-Gladan, Ž., P. Tutman, Ujevic, I., Vrgoc, N., Vukadin, P., Žuljevic, A. Coastal cities water pollution control project, Part C1: Monitoring and Observation System for Ongoing Assessment of the Adriatic sea under the Adriatic sea Monitoring Programme, Phase II. Interim report (IR), December, 2013. https://jadran.izor.hr/jadranski_projekt_2/MJERNE-METODE-I-OPREMA.pdf |
Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part I:Executive Summary, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26557 EN, Publications Office of the European Union,
Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/29293
Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part II:Monitoring Guidance Specifications, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26555 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/27158
Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in European Seas, Part III:Background Information and Annexes, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26556 EN, Publications Office of the
European Union, Luxembourg, 2014, doi: 10.2788/2808
Sampling procedure has been described in Marasovic I., Krstulovic, N., Leder, N., Loncar, G., Precali, R., Šolic, M., Loncar,.G., Beg- Paklar, G., Bojanic, N., Cvitkovic, I., Dadic, V., Despalatovic, M., Dulcic, J., Grbec, B., Kušpilic, G., Nincevic-Gladan, Ž., P. Tutman, Ujevic, I., Vrgoc, N., Vukadin, P., Žuljevic, A. Coastal cities water pollution control project, Part C1: Monitoring and Observation System for Ongoing Assessment of the Adriatic sea under the Adriatic sea Monitoring Programme, Phase II. Interim report (IR), December, 2013. https://jadran.izor.hr/jadranski_projekt_2/MJERNE-METODE-I-OPREMA.pdf |
Quality control |
Quality control is used as in reported monitoring method. |
Quality control is used as in reported monitoring method. |
Data management |
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Data access |
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Related indicator/name |
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Contact |
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References |