Deployment of acoustic listening moorings on the Algoa Voyage 297, January 2024

South Africa’s developing Oceans Economy Master Plan has increased the range, extent, and intensity of anthropogenic pressures on marine and coastal biodiversity. Activities such as offshore oil and gas exploration, marine transport, small harbour and infrastructure development, and marine tourism have led to elevated noise levels in the ocean and coastal environment. These increased noise levels may negatively impact marine biodiversity and ecosystem services, yet their effects are not yet fully quantified for South Africa's marine regions. To address this, a study was conducted on Algoa Voyage 297 in January 2024, deploying three acoustic recorders along the west coast of South Africa to capture long-term recordings of the marine soundscape. Deployment locations included Namaqualand MPA, Childs Bank MPA, and offshore of the Orange River, aiming to characterise the marine soundscape and assess its impact on marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.