SATURN: Solutions @ Underwater Radiated Noise

The SATURN consortium brings together leading experts in bioacoustics, population biology, marine mammal, fish and invertebrate biology, marine architecture and engineering, maritime transport, maritime policy, stakeholder involvement and science communication. We will combine the expertise of these disciplines to work with unity of purpose and clarity of intent to identify:

a. The sounds most detrimental to aquatic species and how they are produced and propagated;

b. The short-term negative and long-term cumulative impacts of shipping and boat noise on three representative groups of aquatic species in rivers and the sea (invertebrates, fish and marine mammals);

c. The most promising options for measuring and reducing the negative impacts of ship noise that can be applied to existing and future ships.

SATURN will develop and contribute to the establishment of standards for terminology and methodology to be used in all disciplines working on underwater radiated noise. These standards will underpin the proposed research. The consortium will establish and foster an effective community of researchers, practitioners, competent authorities, maritime operators, shipping industries and NGOs. This group will work closely with the project to ensure that the results are tailored to the needs of all stakeholders and to maximise their acceptance and implementation. SATURN proposes to address the complex global problem of underwater radiated noise in a truly inclusive and transdisciplinary way that ensures that the interests and expertise of all stakeholders and the environment are represented.