Underwater noise mitigation in the Santa Barbara Channel through incentive-based vessel speed reduction

Abstract Commercial shipping is the dominant source of low-frequency noise in ocean. It has been shown that radiated by an individual vessel depends upon vessel’s speed. This study quantified reduction levels (SLs) and sound exposure (SELs) for ships participating two variations a speed (VSR) program. SLs SELs program between 2014 2017 were statistically lower than non-participating ( p < 0.001). In 2018 fleet-based program, there statistical differences fleets participated with varying degrees cooperation. Significant reductions SL SEL relied on cooperation 25% or more slowing analysis highlights how to 10 knots less effective method reducing underwater emitted from commercial ships.