UNDERSEA Project Conference Kicks Off in Dubrovnik: Focus on Underwater Noise and Acoustic Research of Marine Organisms
9 July 2025
Student Centre Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, 9 July 2025 – A two-day expert conference and international workshop within the UNDERSEA project (ITHR0200399 – CUP B73C24000160003), implemented under the Interreg Italy–Croatia programme, has begun at the Student Centre Dubrovnik.
The project brings together eight partners from Croatia and Italy, including researchers from the Croatian Natural History Museum, who are actively involved in project activities and scientific presentations.
During the conference, partner institutions are presenting their research and results achieved within the UNDERSEA project, while experts from international institutions such as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (USA), the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway), Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia), and ISPRA – Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Italy) are sharing knowledge and experience related to the project themes.
The focus is on the impact of anthropogenic noise on marine organisms, the importance of automated sound detection in the sea, and the use of passive acoustic monitoring in long-term ecological research.
Experts presented new methods and technical solutions in underwater noise modelling, as well as research results on fish vocalisation, studies of deep- and long-diving whale species in the southern Adriatic, and other acoustic research important for the conservation of marine biodiversity.
In addition to the scientific programme, the conference includes a cultural programme open to the public. Tonight at 9:00 p.m. at the Postgraduate Centre Dubrovnik of the University of Zagreb (Don Frana Bulića 4), the acoustic-art performance “Different Waves” will take place. Through sound, light, and ambience, the performance explores the coexistence of humans and marine organisms in acoustically polluted underwater environments. Admission is free, and all interested are warmly invited.
The second day of the conference, 10 July, is reserved for an international bioacoustics workshop, presenting automated methods for detecting echolocation clicks compared to manual analysis and annotation.
The UNDERSEA project is focused on developing and applying innovative methods for monitoring and mitigating underwater noise, aiming to preserve marine ecosystems of the Adriatic Sea through scientific and cross-border cooperation.
We thank the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Values of Dubrovnik-Neretva County for the excellent organisation of this event.
More information about the project is available on the official website: UNDERSEA project website