At Ocean Sonics, we’re proud to see our icListen hydrophones contributing to projects that prioritize ocean health and responsible marine development. One such project is taking place in the heart of Seattle, where the Port of Seattle has launched a comprehensive underwater noise assessment program in collaboration with SLR Consulting.
This two-year initiative is designed to establish a robust baseline of underwater noise levels in and around Elliott Bay. Using two strategically placed cabled monitoring stations, equipped with Ocean Sonics’ icListen hydrophones, SLR is continuously collecting acoustic data to help understand the ambient soundscape and evaluate the relative impact of Port-related noise sources, including large commercial vessels and marine construction activities.
What sets this project apart is its integration of multiple data sources. The acoustic recordings are analyzed alongside Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from commercial vessels, enabling a direct correlation between vessel movements and noise levels. Additionally, environmental data such as weather conditions and tidal activity are factored in to account for natural variability in underwater sound.
The result will be one of the most comprehensive acoustic baselines ever recorded for this busy port area. Once this data is analyzed, it will inform the Port’s Underwater Noise Mitigation and Management Plan, helping to set measurable targets for reducing noise pollution. Long-term monitoring and adaptive management strategies will follow, supporting the Port’s commitment to balancing sustainable economic activity with the preservation of marine habitats, especially for sensitive species like the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales.
At Ocean Sonics, we design hydrophones for projects just like this, resilient, high-resolution tools for capturing real-time underwater sound. It’s rewarding to see them supporting large-scale, science-driven programs that are shaping the future of sustainable ocean operations.
Have a similar project in mind? Let’s talk about how our technology can support your underwater acoustic monitoring goals.
