Thanks to the synergy among research institutions from Italy, Germany, Sweden, and Norway, BluEcho is dedicated to:

• Enhancing Sustainability: Improving the sustainability of the shipping and wind farm industries.

• Conserving Biodiversity: Preserving species biodiversity by assessing noise impacts on marine fauna.

• Mitigating Noise: Evaluating the efficiency of various acoustic mitigation measures to reduce noise levels.

We employ a blend of numerical simulations, fieldwork, and desktop studies to gather crucial data for designing low-noise Marine Protected Areas. Our methods include:

• Cutting-Edge Numerical Techniques: Reproducing sound from wind turbines and ship propellers.

• 3D Real-Time Sound Maps: Using advanced models and in-house codes to create predictive maps.

• Habitat Identification: Pinpointing habitats in non-tolerable sea conditions.

• Mitigation Measures: Evaluating the effectiveness of slow-down or re-routing procedures and noise reduction devices, with a focus on the Hywind Tampen wind farm as a case study.

The project also delivers a thorough economic analysis of costs and benefits, coupled with marine spatial planning analysis:

• Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Finding the best balance between noise reduction and economic cost minimization.

• Investment and Variable Cost Analysis: Breaking down the cost components of noise reduction measures.

• Accessibility: Making results broadly available to decision-making bodies and stakeholders, using marine data from Copernicus Marine Service and EMODnet.

Long-Term Impacts

1. Develop New Decision-Support Tools: Contributing to innovative decision-making resources.

2. Promote Policy Integration: Enhancing interconnectivity of policies among regional sea basins.

3. Foster Cooperation: Encouraging collaboration, co-design, and alignment of activities with stakeholders beyond academia.