Acoustics in underwater environmental monitoring

Monitoring of the undersea environment is an important task in the process of controlling and reducing water pollution. Acoustics can be used to detect, locate and classify polluting matter and consequences of pollution like algae blooming and other biological effects. Simrad is currently in the process of investigating the potential of existing narrowband scientific and hydrographic echosounders in monitoring of the environment. Their engagement in this field which started less than two years ago, has already produced interesting results. Their activities so far are described and examples presented in order to outline the potential of acoustics in this field