The study, entitled “Main characteristics of the MIRS measured electric and magnetic underwater radiations emitted by cruise ships in the Mediterranean Sea”, is based on data collected during a period of 4 months with the SAES’ manufactured last generation Multi-influence Range System (MIRS), which configures as one of the most advanced equipment in its class.
Nowadays there exists an increasing concern in the international community on the effects on the marine life of the acoustics and non-acoustic underwater radiations, as reflected in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) of the European Union (EU). Additionally, there is in this field an important lack of information on the characteristics of non-acoustic radiations from specific types of vessels.
In order to contribute to mitigate this lack of information, SAES is developing a series of studies on the radiation generated by vessels, and specifically their magnetic and electric emissions, since their impact is much less known than this produced by acoustic radiations. First results of the studies, centered in cruise ships measurements, will be explained in depth in the MAST EurAsia 2014 Conference, on Wednesday 21st May at 8:30 hrs (Session 5C).
SAES has analyzed the underwater electric and magnetic fields generated by a type of vessels increasingly present in the seas and oceans: the cruise ships. These analyses are based on the data captured by the SAES’ manufactured Multi-Influence Range System (MIRS), deployed during a period of several months in the area of Cartagena to evaluate if the measured levels could impact in marine fauna in the area, following guidelines of the MSFD.