Toward a comprehensive assessment of the disturbance of marine ecosystems by anthropogenic underwater noise

The Horizon Europe project “Toward a comprehensive assessment of the disturbance of marine ecosystems by anthropogenic underwater noise” aims to develop and validate novel scientific methods and indicators for monitoring and assessing the impacts of underwater noise on marine organisms, ecosystems, and the services they provide. With funding of up to €10 million (100% funding rate), multi-phase research and innovation activities will be pursued that take regional differences into account and analyze cumulative noise exposures. By establishing a consortium approach, continuous and impulsive noise burdens will be comprehensively recorded and assessed in accordance with EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive requirements. Furthermore, the project investigates effective mitigation measures, particularly regarding the protection of marine ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration. The results are intended to provide environmental authorities with advanced tools to optimize protection strategies for marine habitats and support the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Eligible applicants include educational institutions, non-profit organizations, enterprises, and public bodies from EU Member States and associated countries that are registered in the EU Participant Register and meet the financial and operational eligibility criteria. Applications can be submitted until 17 September 2026. Within the framework of the two-stage procedure, concepts outlining methodology, innovation content, and impact are first submitted, before full project proposals are invited for detailed evaluation. Eligible costs include personnel expenses, material and travel costs, as well as equipment investments. Evaluation will be based on the criteria of innovation content, expected environmental impacts, and quality of implementation.