D11C2.2 - Spatial distribution of annual maximum levels for 2021 and trend (2015 and 2021) per cell for the 1/3 octave band centered on 125Hz

Continuous sound is one of the criteria for defining good ecological status for descriptor 11 relating to the pressure of noise generated by human activities in the context of the MSFD (D11C2). Good ecological status for sound energy is achieved when the risks of acoustic disturbance, excess mortality from sound exposure and reduction in communication distances of mysticetes are cumulatively low or moderate. For this, the spatial distribution, the temporal extent and the acoustic levels of continuous anthropogenic sounds must not exceed levels harmful to populations of marine animals. These criteria are assessed at the scale of the marine sub-region for the "Channel and North Sea", "Celtic Seas" and "Western Mediterranean" regions; and at the scale of the "North" and "South" subdivisions in the "Bay of Biscay" sub-region. One of the indicators selected for the evaluation of criterion D11C2 is the spatial distribution of annual ambient noise for the one-third octave band centered on 125 Hz (D11C2.2). The pressure considered for the evaluation of the criterion is the noise generated by maritime traffic, mainly in its trade and transport component which is subject to regulatory oversight by automatic identification system (AIS). The data used for the calculation of this indicator are in situ noise data (MAMBO device) and maritime traffic data (Lloyd’s).