REJECTED: CGG proposal to conduct seismic blasting off the coast of Victoria near Warrnambool and the Apollo Marine Park.¹
The seismic blasting proposal was rejected by the offshore regulator National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environment Management Authority (NOPSEMA) in February 2026., Thanks to this decision, critical calving grounds for the endangered southern right whale and key foraging habitat for the endangered pygmy blue whale are safe from seismic blasting by CGG.
This major win follows years of delays and sustained community pressure.
The proposed seismic blasting zone was approximately 10km off Deen Maar (Lady Julia Percy Island), which has resident Australian fur seal populations, nesting birds, and other marine life sensitive to the damage caused by seismic blasting. Deen Maar is part of the homeland of the Gunditjmara people, who maintain important cultural and spiritual connections to the island and its surroundings.
AMCS acknowledges the sustained leadership of Gunditjmara people and the tireless advocacy of local community groups who have stood up to protect their sea Country and coastline – leading to this major win for marine life and coastal communities.
The job is not yet done. Despite the deafening impact on whales, seismic blasting remains a threat as fossil fuel companies use it to search for new fossil fuel reserves.
Did you know over 600 seismic blasting surveys have been carried out in the Otway Basin alone since petroleum exploration began in the 1960s?²
The data collected is subject to ‘commercial in confidence’ regulations, meaning that seismic blasting data can be kept private by the companies who own the data for up to 15 years post-collection.
We are calling on the Albanese government to declare an immediate moratorium on seismic blasting in Australian waters.
Our oceans are under threat.
Join us in taking action to end offshore oil and gas expansion.
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