Assessing the Impact of Electrical Boat Propulsions on Freshwater Lake Soundscapes and Ecosystems

This study investigates the ecological impact of electrical boat propulsions on the soundscape and environment of freshwater lakes. With the growing popularity of electric boats as a sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vessels, it is crucial to understand their environmental implications, particularly in terms of underwater noise pollution. This research analyzes the sound spectra emitted by electrical boat propulsions and their effects on aquatic ecosystems. Our methodology involved extensive acoustic measurements in various freshwater lake environments, capturing the distinct sound signatures of electric boat propulsions. These sound profiles were then compared with those of conventional boats to assess differences in noise levels and frequencies. The findings reveal that while electric boats generally produce lower overall noise levels compared to gasoline-powered boats, their sound spectrum has a unique impact on freshwater ecosystems. Certain frequency ranges emitted by electric propulsions were found to be more disruptive to aquatic life, affecting communication, navigation, and breeding behaviors of sensitive species.