Research Summaries

Back Characterization Underwater Noise Within the SoCal Range Complex (FY14)

Fiscal Year 2014
Division Graduate School of Engineering & Applied Science
Department Oceanography
Investigator(s) Joseph, John E.
Sponsor U.S. Pacific Fleet (Navy)
Summary Underwater noise can have significant impacts on marine life. Short-term events have potential for causing harmful physical effects and inducing abrupt behavioral responses while long-term exposure may have chronic influences such as masking or causing more subtle modifications in behavior. Noise from shipping is an important concern which may have chronic implications at SCORE. Commercial ship routes from the major ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach (LA/LB) and San Diego pass through active training areas at SCORE. Regional fishing activity may also be a significant contributor to the overall noise budget on the range. In this project, we assess the noise budget near regularly used training areas located on the Southern California Offshore Range Complex (SCORE). Based on passive acoustic recordings, Automatic Identification System (AIS) reports broadcast from passing ships and local environmental information, the output of this project will provide insight on the characteristics of underwater noise and its variability at SCORE. The information can be incorporated into future NEPA analyses, Environmental Impact Studies and other documentation required for Navy compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
Keywords
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal