Member State report / Art11 / 2020 / D11 / Sweden / Baltic Sea
| Report type | Member State report to Commission |
| MSFD Article | Art. 11 Monitoring programmes (and Art. 17 updates) |
| Report due | 2020-10-15 |
| GES Descriptor | D11 Energy, incl. underwater noise |
| Member State | Sweden |
| Region/subregion | Baltic Sea |
| Reported by | Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management Gullbergs Strandgata 15, 411 04 Göteborg Box 11930, |
| Report date | 2020-10-16 |
| Report access |
Descriptor |
D11 |
D11 |
D11 |
D11 |
D11 |
D11 |
D11 |
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Monitoring strategy description |
"Underwater noise is continuously monitored by making sound recordings with hydrophones to measure the local noise level in a couple of places around the Swedish coast. Furthermore, sound maps of greater sea areas will also be produced using sound scape models and AIS data (automatic identification system) from ships. Such maps give a regional picture of the sound levels in time and space. Impulsive noise is monitored by requesting information nationally on where, when and for how long defined noisy activities have been carried out during a year. Descriptor 11 also includes the supply of other energy, such as heat and electromagnetic radiation, but criteria for this are still subject to further development. Such disturbance is also considered to be less widespread in Sweden, so the monitoring for descriptor 11 focuses on underwater noise. However, the local impact of cooling water discharges at nuclear power plants is included in the monitoring of alien species at nuclear power plants (see the strategy for monitoring alien species, descriptor 2).
Monitoring of impulsive noise events currently provides baseline data intended for assessing status and the progress towards GES (target E.1), however there are yet no indicators defined. The same applies for continous noise. However, the production of soundscape maps will facilitate assessment in 2024. There are yet no measures in place directly targeting noise, but one measure will be included in the next article 13 reporting.
The lack of threshold values for assessing environmental status based on underwater noise is not directly due to shortcomings in the data, but mainly due to the fact that it is difficult to identify which levels, frequencies and durations of noise that are harmful to animals. Knowledge is needed about how noise-sensitive species adapt to compensate for disturbances in their communication, and based on that, risk levels need to be determined for when noise-sensitive species are affected in different areas. A better coverage of shallow coastal areas are needed because these often are of high biological value, and are affected by different human activities compared to offshore areas where ship noise dominates.
Continuous underwater noise is measured in the form of sound pressure. However, sound energy can also be measured as particle movements (vibrations). This is something that fish and invertebrates are mainly sensitive to. Today, there are no standardized measurement sensors or procedure |
"Underwater noise is continuously monitored by making sound recordings with hydrophones to measure the local noise level in a couple of places around the Swedish coast. Furthermore, sound maps of greater sea areas will also be produced using sound scape models and AIS data (automatic identification system) from ships. Such maps give a regional picture of the sound levels in time and space. Impulsive noise is monitored by requesting information nationally on where, when and for how long defined noisy activities have been carried out during a year. Descriptor 11 also includes the supply of other energy, such as heat and electromagnetic radiation, but criteria for this are still subject to further development. Such disturbance is also considered to be less widespread in Sweden, so the monitoring for descriptor 11 focuses on underwater noise. However, the local impact of cooling water discharges at nuclear power plants is included in the monitoring of alien species at nuclear power plants (see the strategy for monitoring alien species, descriptor 2).
Monitoring of impulsive noise events currently provides baseline data intended for assessing status and the progress towards GES (target E.1), however there are yet no indicators defined. The same applies for continous noise. However, the production of soundscape maps will facilitate assessment in 2024. There are yet no measures in place directly targeting noise, but one measure will be included in the next article 13 reporting.
The lack of threshold values for assessing environmental status based on underwater noise is not directly due to shortcomings in the data, but mainly due to the fact that it is difficult to identify which levels, frequencies and durations of noise that are harmful to animals. Knowledge is needed about how noise-sensitive species adapt to compensate for disturbances in their communication, and based on that, risk levels need to be determined for when noise-sensitive species are affected in different areas. A better coverage of shallow coastal areas are needed because these often are of high biological value, and are affected by different human activities compared to offshore areas where ship noise dominates.
Continuous underwater noise is measured in the form of sound pressure. However, sound energy can also be measured as particle movements (vibrations). This is something that fish and invertebrates are mainly sensitive to. Today, there are no standardized measurement sensors or procedure |
"Underwater noise is continuously monitored by making sound recordings with hydrophones to measure the local noise level in a couple of places around the Swedish coast. Furthermore, sound maps of greater sea areas will also be produced using sound scape models and AIS data (automatic identification system) from ships. Such maps give a regional picture of the sound levels in time and space. Impulsive noise is monitored by requesting information nationally on where, when and for how long defined noisy activities have been carried out during a year. Descriptor 11 also includes the supply of other energy, such as heat and electromagnetic radiation, but criteria for this are still subject to further development. Such disturbance is also considered to be less widespread in Sweden, so the monitoring for descriptor 11 focuses on underwater noise. However, the local impact of cooling water discharges at nuclear power plants is included in the monitoring of alien species at nuclear power plants (see the strategy for monitoring alien species, descriptor 2).
Monitoring of impulsive noise events currently provides baseline data intended for assessing status and the progress towards GES (target E.1), however there are yet no indicators defined. The same applies for continous noise. However, the production of soundscape maps will facilitate assessment in 2024. There are yet no measures in place directly targeting noise, but one measure will be included in the next article 13 reporting.
The lack of threshold values for assessing environmental status based on underwater noise is not directly due to shortcomings in the data, but mainly due to the fact that it is difficult to identify which levels, frequencies and durations of noise that are harmful to animals. Knowledge is needed about how noise-sensitive species adapt to compensate for disturbances in their communication, and based on that, risk levels need to be determined for when noise-sensitive species are affected in different areas. A better coverage of shallow coastal areas are needed because these often are of high biological value, and are affected by different human activities compared to offshore areas where ship noise dominates.
Continuous underwater noise is measured in the form of sound pressure. However, sound energy can also be measured as particle movements (vibrations). This is something that fish and invertebrates are mainly sensitive to. Today, there are no standardized measurement sensors or procedure |
"Underwater noise is continuously monitored by making sound recordings with hydrophones to measure the local noise level in a couple of places around the Swedish coast. Furthermore, sound maps of greater sea areas will also be produced using sound scape models and AIS data (automatic identification system) from ships. Such maps give a regional picture of the sound levels in time and space. Impulsive noise is monitored by requesting information nationally on where, when and for how long defined noisy activities have been carried out during a year. Descriptor 11 also includes the supply of other energy, such as heat and electromagnetic radiation, but criteria for this are still subject to further development. Such disturbance is also considered to be less widespread in Sweden, so the monitoring for descriptor 11 focuses on underwater noise. However, the local impact of cooling water discharges at nuclear power plants is included in the monitoring of alien species at nuclear power plants (see the strategy for monitoring alien species, descriptor 2).
Monitoring of impulsive noise events currently provides baseline data intended for assessing status and the progress towards GES (target E.1), however there are yet no indicators defined. The same applies for continous noise. However, the production of soundscape maps will facilitate assessment in 2024. There are yet no measures in place directly targeting noise, but one measure will be included in the next article 13 reporting.
The lack of threshold values for assessing environmental status based on underwater noise is not directly due to shortcomings in the data, but mainly due to the fact that it is difficult to identify which levels, frequencies and durations of noise that are harmful to animals. Knowledge is needed about how noise-sensitive species adapt to compensate for disturbances in their communication, and based on that, risk levels need to be determined for when noise-sensitive species are affected in different areas. A better coverage of shallow coastal areas are needed because these often are of high biological value, and are affected by different human activities compared to offshore areas where ship noise dominates.
Continuous underwater noise is measured in the form of sound pressure. However, sound energy can also be measured as particle movements (vibrations). This is something that fish and invertebrates are mainly sensitive to. Today, there are no standardized measurement sensors or procedure |
"Underwater noise is continuously monitored by making sound recordings with hydrophones to measure the local noise level in a couple of places around the Swedish coast. Furthermore, sound maps of greater sea areas will also be produced using sound scape models and AIS data (automatic identification system) from ships. Such maps give a regional picture of the sound levels in time and space. Impulsive noise is monitored by requesting information nationally on where, when and for how long defined noisy activities have been carried out during a year. Descriptor 11 also includes the supply of other energy, such as heat and electromagnetic radiation, but criteria for this are still subject to further development. Such disturbance is also considered to be less widespread in Sweden, so the monitoring for descriptor 11 focuses on underwater noise. However, the local impact of cooling water discharges at nuclear power plants is included in the monitoring of alien species at nuclear power plants (see the strategy for monitoring alien species, descriptor 2).
Monitoring of impulsive noise events currently provides baseline data intended for assessing status and the progress towards GES (target E.1), however there are yet no indicators defined. The same applies for continous noise. However, the production of soundscape maps will facilitate assessment in 2024. There are yet no measures in place directly targeting noise, but one measure will be included in the next article 13 reporting.
The lack of threshold values for assessing environmental status based on underwater noise is not directly due to shortcomings in the data, but mainly due to the fact that it is difficult to identify which levels, frequencies and durations of noise that are harmful to animals. Knowledge is needed about how noise-sensitive species adapt to compensate for disturbances in their communication, and based on that, risk levels need to be determined for when noise-sensitive species are affected in different areas. A better coverage of shallow coastal areas are needed because these often are of high biological value, and are affected by different human activities compared to offshore areas where ship noise dominates.
Continuous underwater noise is measured in the form of sound pressure. However, sound energy can also be measured as particle movements (vibrations). This is something that fish and invertebrates are mainly sensitive to. Today, there are no standardized measurement sensors or procedure |
"Underwater noise is continuously monitored by making sound recordings with hydrophones to measure the local noise level in a couple of places around the Swedish coast. Furthermore, sound maps of greater sea areas will also be produced using sound scape models and AIS data (automatic identification system) from ships. Such maps give a regional picture of the sound levels in time and space. Impulsive noise is monitored by requesting information nationally on where, when and for how long defined noisy activities have been carried out during a year. Descriptor 11 also includes the supply of other energy, such as heat and electromagnetic radiation, but criteria for this are still subject to further development. Such disturbance is also considered to be less widespread in Sweden, so the monitoring for descriptor 11 focuses on underwater noise. However, the local impact of cooling water discharges at nuclear power plants is included in the monitoring of alien species at nuclear power plants (see the strategy for monitoring alien species, descriptor 2).
Monitoring of impulsive noise events currently provides baseline data intended for assessing status and the progress towards GES (target E.1), however there are yet no indicators defined. The same applies for continous noise. However, the production of soundscape maps will facilitate assessment in 2024. There are yet no measures in place directly targeting noise, but one measure will be included in the next article 13 reporting.
The lack of threshold values for assessing environmental status based on underwater noise is not directly due to shortcomings in the data, but mainly due to the fact that it is difficult to identify which levels, frequencies and durations of noise that are harmful to animals. Knowledge is needed about how noise-sensitive species adapt to compensate for disturbances in their communication, and based on that, risk levels need to be determined for when noise-sensitive species are affected in different areas. A better coverage of shallow coastal areas are needed because these often are of high biological value, and are affected by different human activities compared to offshore areas where ship noise dominates.
Continuous underwater noise is measured in the form of sound pressure. However, sound energy can also be measured as particle movements (vibrations). This is something that fish and invertebrates are mainly sensitive to. Today, there are no standardized measurement sensors or procedure |
"Underwater noise is continuously monitored by making sound recordings with hydrophones to measure the local noise level in a couple of places around the Swedish coast. Furthermore, sound maps of greater sea areas will also be produced using sound scape models and AIS data (automatic identification system) from ships. Such maps give a regional picture of the sound levels in time and space. Impulsive noise is monitored by requesting information nationally on where, when and for how long defined noisy activities have been carried out during a year. Descriptor 11 also includes the supply of other energy, such as heat and electromagnetic radiation, but criteria for this are still subject to further development. Such disturbance is also considered to be less widespread in Sweden, so the monitoring for descriptor 11 focuses on underwater noise. However, the local impact of cooling water discharges at nuclear power plants is included in the monitoring of alien species at nuclear power plants (see the strategy for monitoring alien species, descriptor 2).
Monitoring of impulsive noise events currently provides baseline data intended for assessing status and the progress towards GES (target E.1), however there are yet no indicators defined. The same applies for continous noise. However, the production of soundscape maps will facilitate assessment in 2024. There are yet no measures in place directly targeting noise, but one measure will be included in the next article 13 reporting.
The lack of threshold values for assessing environmental status based on underwater noise is not directly due to shortcomings in the data, but mainly due to the fact that it is difficult to identify which levels, frequencies and durations of noise that are harmful to animals. Knowledge is needed about how noise-sensitive species adapt to compensate for disturbances in their communication, and based on that, risk levels need to be determined for when noise-sensitive species are affected in different areas. A better coverage of shallow coastal areas are needed because these often are of high biological value, and are affected by different human activities compared to offshore areas where ship noise dominates.
Continuous underwater noise is measured in the form of sound pressure. However, sound energy can also be measured as particle movements (vibrations). This is something that fish and invertebrates are mainly sensitive to. Today, there are no standardized measurement sensors or procedure |
Coverage of GES criteria |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Gaps and plans |
"There is a need to expand and streamline the monitoring of both continuous and impulsive underwater noise and work is underway to improve the monitoring. For example, a regional collaboration is underway within the North Sea region (OSPAR region 2) to develop a coordinated monitoring programme for continuous underwater noise within the Joint Monitoring Program for Ambient Noise North Sea (Jomopans) project. The purpose is to develop regional standards for monitoring methods, a coordinated monitoring programme, soundscape maps and a tool for assessing noise impact on various species. This will lead to the countries being able to make assessments of the effect of underwater noise on environmental status and give us the conditions to assess what measures are needed to achieve GES or maintain it. The results are also expected to improve corresponding work with the noise indicator within HELCOM.
A prerequisite for the monitoring of impulsive underwater noise is that the actors conducting the relevant activities report their data to SwAM. According to Swedish legislation, national authorities are obliged to contribute documentation for MSFD, but private companies, universities and the military are exempt from this. An unknown amount of data thus falls outside the annual data collection. This is something that requires an in-depth discussion and cooperation between the relevant authorities.
In addition, there are no systems to easily obtain data on sea-based activities that require a permit, as this data is stored in various local systems around the country. Piledriving activity is one such activity that is therefore difficult to obtain data on. Due to this, SwAM has initiated work to investigate how information management in the area of sea-based activities can be made more efficient. The work takes place through collaboration with other organizations in the environmental sector.
Noise from recreational boats and coastal shipping has so far not been included in the monitoring. Leisure boats generate relatively high-frequency underwater noise, for shorter periods and in a varied geographical distribution. They are also increasingly equipped with sonars with high or very high frequencies. It is being investigated by SwAM how coastal noise from shipping and boating could be added to the monitoring - especially in shallower areas.
" |
"There is a need to expand and streamline the monitoring of both continuous and impulsive underwater noise and work is underway to improve the monitoring. For example, a regional collaboration is underway within the North Sea region (OSPAR region 2) to develop a coordinated monitoring programme for continuous underwater noise within the Joint Monitoring Program for Ambient Noise North Sea (Jomopans) project. The purpose is to develop regional standards for monitoring methods, a coordinated monitoring programme, soundscape maps and a tool for assessing noise impact on various species. This will lead to the countries being able to make assessments of the effect of underwater noise on environmental status and give us the conditions to assess what measures are needed to achieve GES or maintain it. The results are also expected to improve corresponding work with the noise indicator within HELCOM.
A prerequisite for the monitoring of impulsive underwater noise is that the actors conducting the relevant activities report their data to SwAM. According to Swedish legislation, national authorities are obliged to contribute documentation for MSFD, but private companies, universities and the military are exempt from this. An unknown amount of data thus falls outside the annual data collection. This is something that requires an in-depth discussion and cooperation between the relevant authorities.
In addition, there are no systems to easily obtain data on sea-based activities that require a permit, as this data is stored in various local systems around the country. Piledriving activity is one such activity that is therefore difficult to obtain data on. Due to this, SwAM has initiated work to investigate how information management in the area of sea-based activities can be made more efficient. The work takes place through collaboration with other organizations in the environmental sector.
Noise from recreational boats and coastal shipping has so far not been included in the monitoring. Leisure boats generate relatively high-frequency underwater noise, for shorter periods and in a varied geographical distribution. They are also increasingly equipped with sonars with high or very high frequencies. It is being investigated by SwAM how coastal noise from shipping and boating could be added to the monitoring - especially in shallower areas.
" |
"There is a need to expand and streamline the monitoring of both continuous and impulsive underwater noise and work is underway to improve the monitoring. For example, a regional collaboration is underway within the North Sea region (OSPAR region 2) to develop a coordinated monitoring programme for continuous underwater noise within the Joint Monitoring Program for Ambient Noise North Sea (Jomopans) project. The purpose is to develop regional standards for monitoring methods, a coordinated monitoring programme, soundscape maps and a tool for assessing noise impact on various species. This will lead to the countries being able to make assessments of the effect of underwater noise on environmental status and give us the conditions to assess what measures are needed to achieve GES or maintain it. The results are also expected to improve corresponding work with the noise indicator within HELCOM.
A prerequisite for the monitoring of impulsive underwater noise is that the actors conducting the relevant activities report their data to SwAM. According to Swedish legislation, national authorities are obliged to contribute documentation for MSFD, but private companies, universities and the military are exempt from this. An unknown amount of data thus falls outside the annual data collection. This is something that requires an in-depth discussion and cooperation between the relevant authorities.
In addition, there are no systems to easily obtain data on sea-based activities that require a permit, as this data is stored in various local systems around the country. Piledriving activity is one such activity that is therefore difficult to obtain data on. Due to this, SwAM has initiated work to investigate how information management in the area of sea-based activities can be made more efficient. The work takes place through collaboration with other organizations in the environmental sector.
Noise from recreational boats and coastal shipping has so far not been included in the monitoring. Leisure boats generate relatively high-frequency underwater noise, for shorter periods and in a varied geographical distribution. They are also increasingly equipped with sonars with high or very high frequencies. It is being investigated by SwAM how coastal noise from shipping and boating could be added to the monitoring - especially in shallower areas.
" |
"There is a need to expand and streamline the monitoring of both continuous and impulsive underwater noise and work is underway to improve the monitoring. For example, a regional collaboration is underway within the North Sea region (OSPAR region 2) to develop a coordinated monitoring programme for continuous underwater noise within the Joint Monitoring Program for Ambient Noise North Sea (Jomopans) project. The purpose is to develop regional standards for monitoring methods, a coordinated monitoring programme, soundscape maps and a tool for assessing noise impact on various species. This will lead to the countries being able to make assessments of the effect of underwater noise on environmental status and give us the conditions to assess what measures are needed to achieve GES or maintain it. The results are also expected to improve corresponding work with the noise indicator within HELCOM.
A prerequisite for the monitoring of impulsive underwater noise is that the actors conducting the relevant activities report their data to SwAM. According to Swedish legislation, national authorities are obliged to contribute documentation for MSFD, but private companies, universities and the military are exempt from this. An unknown amount of data thus falls outside the annual data collection. This is something that requires an in-depth discussion and cooperation between the relevant authorities.
In addition, there are no systems to easily obtain data on sea-based activities that require a permit, as this data is stored in various local systems around the country. Piledriving activity is one such activity that is therefore difficult to obtain data on. Due to this, SwAM has initiated work to investigate how information management in the area of sea-based activities can be made more efficient. The work takes place through collaboration with other organizations in the environmental sector.
Noise from recreational boats and coastal shipping has so far not been included in the monitoring. Leisure boats generate relatively high-frequency underwater noise, for shorter periods and in a varied geographical distribution. They are also increasingly equipped with sonars with high or very high frequencies. It is being investigated by SwAM how coastal noise from shipping and boating could be added to the monitoring - especially in shallower areas.
" |
"There is a need to expand and streamline the monitoring of both continuous and impulsive underwater noise and work is underway to improve the monitoring. For example, a regional collaboration is underway within the North Sea region (OSPAR region 2) to develop a coordinated monitoring programme for continuous underwater noise within the Joint Monitoring Program for Ambient Noise North Sea (Jomopans) project. The purpose is to develop regional standards for monitoring methods, a coordinated monitoring programme, soundscape maps and a tool for assessing noise impact on various species. This will lead to the countries being able to make assessments of the effect of underwater noise on environmental status and give us the conditions to assess what measures are needed to achieve GES or maintain it. The results are also expected to improve corresponding work with the noise indicator within HELCOM.
A prerequisite for the monitoring of impulsive underwater noise is that the actors conducting the relevant activities report their data to SwAM. According to Swedish legislation, national authorities are obliged to contribute documentation for MSFD, but private companies, universities and the military are exempt from this. An unknown amount of data thus falls outside the annual data collection. This is something that requires an in-depth discussion and cooperation between the relevant authorities.
In addition, there are no systems to easily obtain data on sea-based activities that require a permit, as this data is stored in various local systems around the country. Piledriving activity is one such activity that is therefore difficult to obtain data on. Due to this, SwAM has initiated work to investigate how information management in the area of sea-based activities can be made more efficient. The work takes place through collaboration with other organizations in the environmental sector.
Noise from recreational boats and coastal shipping has so far not been included in the monitoring. Leisure boats generate relatively high-frequency underwater noise, for shorter periods and in a varied geographical distribution. They are also increasingly equipped with sonars with high or very high frequencies. It is being investigated by SwAM how coastal noise from shipping and boating could be added to the monitoring - especially in shallower areas.
" |
"There is a need to expand and streamline the monitoring of both continuous and impulsive underwater noise and work is underway to improve the monitoring. For example, a regional collaboration is underway within the North Sea region (OSPAR region 2) to develop a coordinated monitoring programme for continuous underwater noise within the Joint Monitoring Program for Ambient Noise North Sea (Jomopans) project. The purpose is to develop regional standards for monitoring methods, a coordinated monitoring programme, soundscape maps and a tool for assessing noise impact on various species. This will lead to the countries being able to make assessments of the effect of underwater noise on environmental status and give us the conditions to assess what measures are needed to achieve GES or maintain it. The results are also expected to improve corresponding work with the noise indicator within HELCOM.
A prerequisite for the monitoring of impulsive underwater noise is that the actors conducting the relevant activities report their data to SwAM. According to Swedish legislation, national authorities are obliged to contribute documentation for MSFD, but private companies, universities and the military are exempt from this. An unknown amount of data thus falls outside the annual data collection. This is something that requires an in-depth discussion and cooperation between the relevant authorities.
In addition, there are no systems to easily obtain data on sea-based activities that require a permit, as this data is stored in various local systems around the country. Piledriving activity is one such activity that is therefore difficult to obtain data on. Due to this, SwAM has initiated work to investigate how information management in the area of sea-based activities can be made more efficient. The work takes place through collaboration with other organizations in the environmental sector.
Noise from recreational boats and coastal shipping has so far not been included in the monitoring. Leisure boats generate relatively high-frequency underwater noise, for shorter periods and in a varied geographical distribution. They are also increasingly equipped with sonars with high or very high frequencies. It is being investigated by SwAM how coastal noise from shipping and boating could be added to the monitoring - especially in shallower areas.
" |
"There is a need to expand and streamline the monitoring of both continuous and impulsive underwater noise and work is underway to improve the monitoring. For example, a regional collaboration is underway within the North Sea region (OSPAR region 2) to develop a coordinated monitoring programme for continuous underwater noise within the Joint Monitoring Program for Ambient Noise North Sea (Jomopans) project. The purpose is to develop regional standards for monitoring methods, a coordinated monitoring programme, soundscape maps and a tool for assessing noise impact on various species. This will lead to the countries being able to make assessments of the effect of underwater noise on environmental status and give us the conditions to assess what measures are needed to achieve GES or maintain it. The results are also expected to improve corresponding work with the noise indicator within HELCOM.
A prerequisite for the monitoring of impulsive underwater noise is that the actors conducting the relevant activities report their data to SwAM. According to Swedish legislation, national authorities are obliged to contribute documentation for MSFD, but private companies, universities and the military are exempt from this. An unknown amount of data thus falls outside the annual data collection. This is something that requires an in-depth discussion and cooperation between the relevant authorities.
In addition, there are no systems to easily obtain data on sea-based activities that require a permit, as this data is stored in various local systems around the country. Piledriving activity is one such activity that is therefore difficult to obtain data on. Due to this, SwAM has initiated work to investigate how information management in the area of sea-based activities can be made more efficient. The work takes place through collaboration with other organizations in the environmental sector.
Noise from recreational boats and coastal shipping has so far not been included in the monitoring. Leisure boats generate relatively high-frequency underwater noise, for shorter periods and in a varied geographical distribution. They are also increasingly equipped with sonars with high or very high frequencies. It is being investigated by SwAM how coastal noise from shipping and boating could be added to the monitoring - especially in shallower areas.
" |
Related targets |
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Coverage of targets |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Related measures |
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Coverage of measures |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Adequate monitoring will be in place by 2024 |
Related monitoring programmes |
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Programme code |
SE-D11-contnoise |
SE-D11-impnoise |
SE-D11-impnoise |
SE-D11-impnoise |
SE-D11-impnoise |
SE-D11-impnoise |
SE-D11-shipping |
Programme name |
Continuous underwater noise |
Impulsive underwater noise |
Impulsive underwater noise |
Impulsive underwater noise |
Impulsive underwater noise |
Impulsive underwater noise |
Shipping |
Update type |
New programme |
New programme |
New programme |
New programme |
New programme |
New programme |
New programme |
Old programme codes |
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Programme description |
Continuous underwater noise refers to low-frequency (≤2 kHz) noise that is added to the aquatic environment continuously, primarily from shipping and leisure boats, but also from fixed installations such as offshore wind farms. Underwater noise refers to anthropogenic generated sounds, but when underwater sounds are monitored, natural sounds are also captured, for example from rain and wind. As both natural and anthropogenic sounds occur at the same time, there are challenges in separating these sound sources into measurements to demonstrate the environmental impact of only the anthropogenic sound sources. The fact that sound occurs naturally in the aquatic environment distinguishes sound from many other pollutants as there is no zero level to strive for. By also registering ship traffic, however, the sound image can be related to the extent and spread of ship traffic. Continuous underwater noise can affect marine animals' ability to communicate and can have a stressful impact on animals. The purpose is therefore to monitor changes in continuous underwater noise in time and space in order to be able to assess the impact on animals in the marine environment.
Frequency: Hydrophones are monitoring underwater sound for 30 minutes each hour during 6 months.
A regional collaboration is underway within the North Sea region (Ospar's region 2) to develop a monitoring programme for sound recordings and sound maps within the project Joint Monitoring Program for Ambient Noise North Sea (Jomopans). To update the soundscape maps that were produced during BIAS, AIS data (see programme shipping) and data on bathymetry, wind, salinity and temerature are needed. But this is not part of the yearly monitoring |
Impulsive noise can adversely affect marine life as the high noise level can scare animals away from important areas, disrupt natural behavior and in some cases even physically harm or kill them if the level is high enough. The purpose is therefore to map the extent of noisy activities in time and space in order to get a picture of the accumulated sound environment in the sea and be able to prevent too many loud impulsive sounds from occurring simultaneously in an area.
All available data on events causing impulsive sound during each year are collected yearly.
SwAM has initiated work to investigate how information management of sea-based activities can be made more efficient. The work takes place in collaboration with other organizations in the environmental sector. The goal is to make information about sea-based activities stored in a consistant manner so that they can be collected more efficient than now.
Work is underway within expert groups to be able to take sound mitigation measures into account when assessing noise impact. |
Impulsive noise can adversely affect marine life as the high noise level can scare animals away from important areas, disrupt natural behavior and in some cases even physically harm or kill them if the level is high enough. The purpose is therefore to map the extent of noisy activities in time and space in order to get a picture of the accumulated sound environment in the sea and be able to prevent too many loud impulsive sounds from occurring simultaneously in an area.
All available data on events causing impulsive sound during each year are collected yearly.
SwAM has initiated work to investigate how information management of sea-based activities can be made more efficient. The work takes place in collaboration with other organizations in the environmental sector. The goal is to make information about sea-based activities stored in a consistant manner so that they can be collected more efficient than now.
Work is underway within expert groups to be able to take sound mitigation measures into account when assessing noise impact. |
Impulsive noise can adversely affect marine life as the high noise level can scare animals away from important areas, disrupt natural behavior and in some cases even physically harm or kill them if the level is high enough. The purpose is therefore to map the extent of noisy activities in time and space in order to get a picture of the accumulated sound environment in the sea and be able to prevent too many loud impulsive sounds from occurring simultaneously in an area.
All available data on events causing impulsive sound during each year are collected yearly.
SwAM has initiated work to investigate how information management of sea-based activities can be made more efficient. The work takes place in collaboration with other organizations in the environmental sector. The goal is to make information about sea-based activities stored in a consistant manner so that they can be collected more efficient than now.
Work is underway within expert groups to be able to take sound mitigation measures into account when assessing noise impact. |
Impulsive noise can adversely affect marine life as the high noise level can scare animals away from important areas, disrupt natural behavior and in some cases even physically harm or kill them if the level is high enough. The purpose is therefore to map the extent of noisy activities in time and space in order to get a picture of the accumulated sound environment in the sea and be able to prevent too many loud impulsive sounds from occurring simultaneously in an area.
All available data on events causing impulsive sound during each year are collected yearly.
SwAM has initiated work to investigate how information management of sea-based activities can be made more efficient. The work takes place in collaboration with other organizations in the environmental sector. The goal is to make information about sea-based activities stored in a consistant manner so that they can be collected more efficient than now.
Work is underway within expert groups to be able to take sound mitigation measures into account when assessing noise impact. |
Impulsive noise can adversely affect marine life as the high noise level can scare animals away from important areas, disrupt natural behavior and in some cases even physically harm or kill them if the level is high enough. The purpose is therefore to map the extent of noisy activities in time and space in order to get a picture of the accumulated sound environment in the sea and be able to prevent too many loud impulsive sounds from occurring simultaneously in an area.
All available data on events causing impulsive sound during each year are collected yearly.
SwAM has initiated work to investigate how information management of sea-based activities can be made more efficient. The work takes place in collaboration with other organizations in the environmental sector. The goal is to make information about sea-based activities stored in a consistant manner so that they can be collected more efficient than now.
Work is underway within expert groups to be able to take sound mitigation measures into account when assessing noise impact. |
Shipping carries about 90 percent of world trade measured in volume and leads to emissions into the air of, for example, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. The transports also involve a risk that ships will cause water pollution, among other things through accidents, operational discharges, waste generated on board, during bunkering and loading of, for example, oil or through discharges of washing water from scrubbers. The spread of hazardous substances also takes place through the toxic antifouling paints that ships are painted with to prevent biofouling. Shipping is also a source of underwater noise and marine litter, as well as the spread of non-indigenous species, partly with ships' ballast water but also through biofouling on ship hulls.
As shipping causes several pressures on the marine environment, it is important to monitor the extent of shipping in time and space, in order to be able to estimate the impact and risks and to be able to introduce measures to reduce its impact. For monitoring pressures linked to shipping, see in particular programmes Non-indigenous species - Input and spread, Continuous underwater noise and Oilspills.
Maritime traffic data is shared between different countries through agreements with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the Helsinki Convention, Helcom. |
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 |
Coordinated data collection |
Coordinated data collection |
Coordinated data collection |
Coordinated data collection |
Coordinated data collection |
Coordinated data collection |
Coordinated data collection |
Monitoring details |
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Features |
Continuous low frequency sound
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Military operations (subject to Article 2(2))
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Renewable energy generation (wind, wave and tidal power), including infrastructure
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Research, survey and educational activities
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Transport infrastructure
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Input of anthropogenic sound (impulsive, continuous)
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Transport – shipping
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Elements |
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GES criteria |
D11C2 |
D11C1 |
D11C2 |
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Parameters |
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Parameter Other |
Ship movements |
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Spatial scope |
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Marine reporting units |
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Temporal scope (start date - end date) |
2014-9999 |
2015-9999 |
2015-9999 |
2015-9999 |
2015-9999 |
2015-9999 |
2006-9999 |
Monitoring frequency |
Other |
As needed |
As needed |
As needed |
As needed |
As needed |
Continually |
Monitoring type |
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Monitoring method |
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Monitoring method other |
Battery-powered hydrophone systems are used to measure sound levels. These need to be maintained approximately once every six months. The autonomous hydrophones measure approximately 30 minutes every hour and record at a sampling rate of 32–48 kHz, which means that sounds in the range 10–20 kHz can be analyzed. The hydrophones sit on an underwater rig with a gravel bag as ballast weight and an acoustic trigger to get the rig up. Two hydrophone rigs are set out per station at intervals of about 200 meters, to have extra coverage if any of the instruments do not work or disappear. |
AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a system that makes it possible to identify a ship and track its movements. The system is based on each ship transmitting the information on 2 VHF frequencies that are captured by different land stations or satellites. All vessels with a gross tonnage of more than 300 tonnes and engaged in international traffic are covered by the SOLAS Convention and must be equipped with AIS transponders.
The AIS transponder in a ship regularly collects information about its own ship's position, course, destination and more from other electronic navigation equipment. All this data is then formatted into data products transmitted via VHF radio on dedicated channels. Other ships and land stations within VHF range equipped with AIS receivers can then receive the radio signals, decode them and present the information in their own navigation equipment. Some information, such as name, width and length, is obtained through links to ship databases. |
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Quality control |
Sound recording and analysis follow the measurement and signal processing standard agreed within Helcom. |
A reasonableness check of collected data is performed prior to reporting, and in connection with the transfer to ICES's register, an automatic check of data is carried out automatically. |
A reasonableness check of collected data is performed prior to reporting, and in connection with the transfer to ICES's register, an automatic check of data is carried out automatically. |
A reasonableness check of collected data is performed prior to reporting, and in connection with the transfer to ICES's register, an automatic check of data is carried out automatically. |
A reasonableness check of collected data is performed prior to reporting, and in connection with the transfer to ICES's register, an automatic check of data is carried out automatically. |
A reasonableness check of collected data is performed prior to reporting, and in connection with the transfer to ICES's register, an automatic check of data is carried out automatically. |
Some inaccuracies in numerical values may occur due to data losses occasionally occurring in the collection process. |
Data management |
Raw data and processed data with 20-second averages are stored nationally at FOI as there is no national data host for underwater noise in place yet. During 2018–2019, questions arose regarding the ownership and dissemination of data generated through sound recording from the measuring stations used within the national monitoring programme. During 2019–2020, these questions have largely been answered in collaboration with the military and monitoring contractors.
Work is underway within ICES on behalf of Helcom to develop a regional database for model-calculated sound propagation of anthropogenic noise. Processed data from audio recordings can be downloaded free of charge from ICES's website or via the API. |
There is yet no national data host for impulsive underwater noise. For the time being, SwAM stores the raw data that is collected and delivers it to ICES, which acts as an international data host for impulsive noise. At ICES, annual data summaries are presented on a map and data can be downloaded free of charge. |
There is yet no national data host for impulsive underwater noise. For the time being, SwAM stores the raw data that is collected and delivers it to ICES, which acts as an international data host for impulsive noise. At ICES, annual data summaries are presented on a map and data can be downloaded free of charge. |
There is yet no national data host for impulsive underwater noise. For the time being, SwAM stores the raw data that is collected and delivers it to ICES, which acts as an international data host for impulsive noise. At ICES, annual data summaries are presented on a map and data can be downloaded free of charge. |
There is yet no national data host for impulsive underwater noise. For the time being, SwAM stores the raw data that is collected and delivers it to ICES, which acts as an international data host for impulsive noise. At ICES, annual data summaries are presented on a map and data can be downloaded free of charge. |
There is yet no national data host for impulsive underwater noise. For the time being, SwAM stores the raw data that is collected and delivers it to ICES, which acts as an international data host for impulsive noise. At ICES, annual data summaries are presented on a map and data can be downloaded free of charge. |
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Data access |
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Related indicator/name |
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Contact |
miljoovervakning@havochvatten.se |
miljoovervakning@havochvatten.se |
miljoovervakning@havochvatten.se |
miljoovervakning@havochvatten.se |
miljoovervakning@havochvatten.se |
miljoovervakning@havochvatten.se |
miljoovervakning@havochvatten.se |
References |