Baseline Marine Traffic Noise Levels in the Salish Sea: Modelled Noise Levels for Benthic Species

Received equivalent continuous noise levels (Leq) near the seabed were calculated using JASCO’s cumulative vessel noise model (Acoustic Real-Time Exposure Model for In-Motion Sources; ARTEMIS). The model incorporated detailed source-level data and accounts for the influence of speed and class on vessel noise emissions.

Vessel traffic information was based on 2015 automatic identification system (AIS) data, scaled to compensate for yearly traffic increases through 2020 and to include non-AIS traffic. Seasonal variability in sound propagation conditions and vessel traffic was assessed by modelling noise levels during representative months in winter and summer (January and July, respectively).