The level of ambient noise has increased in the ocean over the last decades, mainly attributed to increased ship noise. This noise overlaps with the frequencies that marine animals use for communication and can affect them negatively. The aim of this study is to increase knowledge about the ambient noise at the Northern Midsea bank, with a focus on ship noise and mitigation measures to reduce it. Sound recordings from the Northern Midsea bank sampled during 2015 - 2018 were utilised. A novel method to separate natural and anthropogenic noise is presented. The results revealed that while natural variations in weather cause seasonal changes in sound pressure levels, ship noise always exceeded natural levels for frequencies between 80 - 200 Hz, even in very windy conditions. For the critically endangered Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population, the noise levels recorded at the two sites were unlikely to result in masking of important signals or behavioural reactions. However, both stations were 3 km or further from the main shipping lane so this result cannot be extrapolated to other parts of the area. For cod, the sound pressure level was high enough to mask communication more than 50 % of the time, potentially reducing their reproduction success. The results demonstrate the need for further understanding of the impact of noise, and mitigation measures. Not only to reduce the impact of noise but also on the reduction in habitat quality likely caused by this pressure, particularly within Natura 2000 sites established for species protection