Ocean Sound and Impact of Noise
Background

Sound Monitoring Project Overview

SanctSound is a four-year project, managed by NOAA and the U.S. Navy, to better understand underwater sound within the National Marine Sanctuary System. Since the fall of 2018, and through the spring of 2022, these agencies will work with numerous scientific partners to study sound within seven national marine sanctuaries and one marine national monument, which includes waters off Hawai‘i and the east and west coasts.

Sound Monitoring Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about NOAA’s SanctSound program, including "what are underwater soundscapes" and "how did NOAA and the US Navy decide where to do this work"?

Sanctuary Sentinel Site National Issues: Noise

NOAA is working to understand long-term changes in noise levels within the National Marine Sanctuary System as increasing noise from anthropogenic sources becomes a growing concern. The approach to managing ocean noise aims to reduce negative physical and behavioral impacts to species, as well as conserve the acoustic quality of their habitats.

Soundcheck: Ocean Noise

Learn how marine organisms are impacted by anthropogenic ocean noise and what NOAA and partners are doing to help governments and industries address this issue.