Underwater noise due to human activities at sea can harm marine biodiversity. EU experts have adopted recommendations on maximum acceptable levels for impulsive noise (such as oil and gas exploration and extraction) and continuous underwater noise. Maritime traffic is the main source of continuous underwater noise.

The new limits mean, that to be in tolerable status, no more than 20% of a given marine area can be exposed to continuous underwater noise over a year Similarly, no more than 20% of a marine habitat can be exposed to impulsive noise over a given day, and no more than 10% over a year. These limits are the first at global level and are part of the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan.

The threshold values have been developed under the Commission’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive. It requires EU Member States to develop and implement strategies to protect the marine environment, covering biodiversity and several types of pollution. To respect these limits, Member States will need to implement appropriate measures in their marine strategies, for example by reducing ship-generated noise, designing methods to minimise impulsive noise by design or setting spatial restrictions for human activity. This will also be done and coordinated at regional level with the support of the Regional Sea Conventions.

More information can be found here.