Bagočius, D.
Underwater noise level in Klaipėda Strait, Lithuania
Underwater noise is an issue with rising importance in the
Klaipėda Strait, as man-made activity grows in this area. The article presents
methods and results of the first attempt to measure underwater noise in the
Klaipėda Strait connecting the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. Emphasis is
placed on the background underwater noise in the area, where vessels traffic
makes its general contribution to it. Dredging and vibro-pile driving noise
have been studied as contributors to the background noise as well. Comparison
of background noise in the Klaipėda Strait and an unaffected Curonian Lagoon
area is given. Possible impacts of underwater noise on migrating fish species
are shortly discussed.