Deep -sea Mining Acoustics: Site specific Vibroacoustic Propagation Characteristics Offshore Critical Mineral Development Areas

The Department of the Interior is forecasting a project to develop site-specific models analyzing sound pressure, particle motion, and substrate-borne vibration resulting from deep-sea mining activities. By examining local oceanography and sediment coupling, the initiative aims to determine exposure levels for various taxa from the seabed to the ocean surface. These models will be utilized to predict sound fields and provide essential data to inform impact assessments and noise-mitigation strategies for critical minerals operations. The project is categorized under NAICS code 541715 and is associated with performance in Sterling.