A practical algorithm for the calculation of acoustic normal modes at excitation frequencies of 50 to 5000 Hz in a shallow stratified ocean overlying a transverse isotropic poroelastic sediment bed is developed. The Biot‐Willis stiffness matrix which describes poroelastic anisotropy in terms of physical properties of sediments is used to model the bed. The propagator matrix method is used to solve the differential equations for the motion stress vectors in both layered sediment and water. The method of impedance matching is used to obtain the eigenvalues of the system numerically. Using measured in‐situ properties of sediment (presented separately in this meeting), the effect of sediment anisotropy and inhomogeniety on acoustic wave propagation is studied for shallow water propagation at the Great Bahama Bank. [The work was sponsored by ONR Codes 425UA.]