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RESULTS

The “Quiet Sea” mission

During lockdown in spring 2020, drones fitted with instruments
patrolled from the Calanques to Monaco, along 400 kilometres
of coastline, revealing a sea:
■ half as polluted with hydrocarbons
■ ambient noise energy fell significantly on the coast,
sometimes by more than 6 dB RMS (four-fold reduction in
noise level).
■ cetacean communications during lockdown estimated to
be 4 times longer at low frequencies (which could mean
an improved group dynamic and greater opportunities for
hunting and reproduction)
■ 10 times quieter: a 10 decibel reduction in low frequencies
was recorded, with the presence of “silent spots”
■ cetacean communications up to 6 times longer (which
means an improved group dynamic and greater
opportunities for hunting and reproduction)

IN
SIGHT

“Let’s listen to the world’s song
before the music stops”.

Philippe Mondielli, Scientific Director
at the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation