University of Groningen researcher maps impact of noise in the Wadden Sea

With a grant from the Wadden Fund and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, Prof. Britas Klemens Eriksson of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (University of Groningen) will conduct research into the impact of noise on underwater life in the Wadden Sea. He will do this together with Annebelle Kok of Leiden University. 

The four-year project, which will involve residents and visitors, is a collaboration with the Wadden Fund and will start in September. 

Effect of noise on animals

Shipping is increasing, dredging and work on dykes and dams are taking place, and jet fighters flying overhead also contribute to the noise level in and around the Wadden Sea. This noise also penetrates underwater and can affect animals there. The porpoise, a protected whale species that lives in this area, is particularly susceptible to this. This species uses sound for orientation and foraging, making it particularly sensitive to disturbance.

Mapping noise

Underwater microphones (hydrophones) are used to continuously measure underwater noise at twelve locations in the Wadden Sea for three years. This technique records both man-made noise and the clicking sounds that porpoises make continuously. This provides a complete picture of the soundscape in the Wadden Sea and the presence of porpoises throughout the year.

‘Porpoises are very vocal animals: they use sound to “see” underwater. By picking up their clicking sounds, we can determine where they are and how they hunt fish in the Wadden Sea,’ explains Annebelle Kok. 

‘Good nature conservation requires insight,’ says Belinda Burtonshaw of the Wadden Association. ‘We know that noise threatens the tranquillity of the Wadden Sea, but the extent and effects are unknown. With this project, we are taking the first step towards better insight and will soon be able to make recommendations for the protection of noise-sensitive areas.’

Involvement of residents and visitors

In addition to scientific research, visitors and residents of the Wadden Sea region can also actively participate in the project. Among other things, expeditions are being organised within the project to listen for porpoises. A reporting centre for porpoise sightings is also being set up. This allows everyone to contribute to the research and help determine where and when porpoises are in the Wadden Sea. These public activities raise awareness and at the same time provide valuable additional data.

‘For many people, the porpoise is an unknown species in the Wadden Sea,’ says Burtonshaw. ‘By letting people listen and observe for themselves, we bring them closer to this unique nature reserve and they contribute to better research.’

Read more

What does the Wadden Sea sound like? Research brings porpoises and sound into focus (NL, Wadden Association)