Listening to the Sea's Whisper.
Innovative underwater monitoring using pressure sensors to untangle the sounds of the sea and protect our aquatic world.
The Cocktail Party Problem of the Sea
The sea is full of pressure signals—from waves, currents, and marine life to passing ships. Isolating a faint, distant signal is like trying to hear a single voice in a crowded room. PRESENSEA is developing advanced algorithms to solve this "cocktail party problem," enabling us to listen to individual sources with unprecedented clarity.
Non-Invasive Sensors
Using passive, energy-efficient pressure sensors that listen quietly without emitting signals or disturbing marine ecosystems.
Source Separation
Applying machine learning to distinguish the subtle signature of a ship from the background noise of waves and currents.
Open-Source Library
Creating a documented, real-time algorithm library for low-cost platforms, accessible to the wider scientific community.
Decoding the Sea's Pressure Signature
Any movement in a fluid creates a pressure change. The source of such changes can be natural phenomena like waves and currents, or human-induced dynamics like moving vessels. These pressure changes can be observed using sensors that are passive, non-invasive, and energy-efficient. They are not sensitive to common acoustic noise, allowing them to focus on hydrodynamic pressure signals.
Natural Sources
- Waves
- Currents
- Iceberg Calving
Man-Made Sources
- Moving Vessels
- Wastewater Release
- Underwater constructions
Passive Pressure Sensor
Detects all pressure changes to create a complete picture of the underwater environment.
Project Objectives
A four-step journey from data collection to real-world validation.
Dataset
Collection of pressure sensor data in diverse scenarios and locations to build a robust foundation.
Model
Simulation and emulation of hydrodynamic data based on physical models and experimental data.
Algorithm
Design of a real-time algorithm library for detection, localization, and source separation.
Validation
Demonstration of the developed algorithms in at least two different real-world sea environments.
The Team
Combining expertise in signal processing and hydrodynamic hardware design.
Elizaveta Dubrovinskaya
Researcher
Bringing in-depth knowledge of acoustic signal propagation, processing, and underwater localization.
Maarja Kruusmaa
Supervisor
Leading the Centre for Biorobotics with vast experience in marine robotics and hydrodynamic sensors.
Hosted at the
Centre for Biorobotics, Tallinn University of Technology
Project Updates
Follow our journey as we deploy, test, and share our findings.
June 26, 2025
A Guide to Open DAS Datasets
A guide to open Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) datasets, explaining the technology and listing key resources for underwater and terrestrial applications.
June 12, 2025
Feeling the Pressure? A Guide to Underwater Sensors
A practical guide to selecting, waterproofing, and deploying low-cost COTS pressure sensors for underwater applications, from DIY projects to professional research.
June 9, 2025
The Baltic Cocktail Party: Stirred by science, served with smarts
Welcome to the Baltic Cocktail Party — where the guests are often invisible, and the real conversations happen under pressure. This isn’t your average party...