The Interreg project UNDERSEA has started

On 1 February 2024, the UNDERSEA project, a joint engagement within the Interreg Italy-Croatia program, began with the aim of protecting the Adriatic Sea ecosystem from underwater noise pollution. At the end of March 2024, the initial meeting of all partners and the first training session within the project took place, laying the foundation for the launch of the project. The project, officially named “UNDerwatER Soundscape bEyond Ais”, will work for 30 months to investigate possible solutions for combating anthropogenic underwater noise pollution in the Adriatic Sea.

UNDERSEA builds on the achievements of the SOUNDSCAPE project by extending the current monitoring system to new sites and introducing innovative monitoring techniques that will identify additional sources of noise pollution. Eight partners and two associated partners from Croatia and Italy, including the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, will jointly develop digital tools for integrated management of transboundary protection, contributing to the protection and conservation of the Adriatic’s biodiversity. The project is scheduled to be completed by July 31, 2026.