From studies in marine biology it is known that the behaviour of large sea mammals as well as fish can be influenced by background noise. Cavitation of ship propellers has been identified as a main source of this background noise. The EU requires Member States to demonstrate that levels of underwater noise do not harm marine life. It is believed that cavitation noise from shipping traffic is largely responsible for low frequency ambient noise, a need has arisen for an improved understanding of the correlation between cavitation and background noise in the seas.

The EU has set out on improving the environment within its member states by adopting the Good Environmental Status. This has been further defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, in which it describes descriptors for measuring the environmental status. One of these descriptors is the underwater noise linked to among others maritime transport. It is stated that the reduction of underwater noise will be a measure for the improvement of the environment.

SONIC will deliver the technical knowledge required for mapping, measuring and mitigating noise from shipping. The results of the SONIC project will contribute to quieting the oceans and improving the well-being of marine life.