HiAOOS at Ocean Noise 2026
Researchers, policymakers and marine industry experts will gather in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, from 25–29 May 2026 for OCEANOISE2026, an international conference dedicated to understanding and reducing underwater noise pollution.
As shipping, offshore energy development and other human activities at sea continue to expand, scientists are increasingly concerned about the impacts of underwater noise on marine ecosystems. Noise pollution can disrupt communication, navigation and behaviour in marine species including whales, dolphins and fish.
The conference will bring together specialists working on underwater acoustics, marine biodiversity and environmental management to discuss the latest research, monitoring technologies and mitigation strategies. Topics will include offshore wind farms, shipping noise, acoustic mapping, marine spatial planning and quieter maritime technologies.
The scientific programme is organised around chaired sessions with invited speakers, each followed by a round-table discussion. These plenary sessions are complemented by daily poster sessions, offering additional opportunities for informal exchange.
HiAOOS partner, Philippe Blondel (U. Bath), will co-chair the special session on Polar Noise and make a presentation entitled, “Marine soundscapes of the Arctic and human impacts – From monitoring to regulating.”
OCEANOISE2026 will also highlight the importance of international cooperation and policy development to support a more sustainable and acoustically healthy ocean. Several European research initiatives and projects focused on ocean noise management are expected to participate.
More information is available at the official conference website, including the event programme.