Numerical investigation of shipping noise in the Red Sea

Rihab Larayedh; Bruce D Cornuelle; George Krokos; Ibrahim Hoteit

doi:10.1038/s41598-024-56523-2

Numerical investigation of shipping noise in the Red Sea

Sci Rep. 2024 Mar 11;14(1):5851. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-56523-2.

Authors

Rihab Larayedh¹, Bruce D Cornuelle², George Krokos^{3

4}, Ibrahim Hoteit⁵

Affiliations

¹ Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia.
² Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
³ Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 19013, Anavyssos, Greece.
⁴ Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia.
⁵ Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia. ibrahim.hoteit@kaust.edu.sa.

Abstract

Underwater noise pollution is a significant environmental issue that can have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. One of the main sources of underwater noise pollution is ship traffic, which has been shown to negatively impact marine animals by masking communication signals and altering their behaviors. This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of underwater ship noise in the Red Sea, wherein noise maps of ships sailing through the main shipping lane in the Red Sea were simulated by integrating both anthropogenic and environmental variables. These maps offer valuable insights for policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions and implement targeted mitigation efforts.

Keywords: Propagation modelling; Red Sea; Underwater shipping noise.

Grants and funding

REP/1/3268-01-01/kaust