The proposed expansion of the offshore oil and gas industry from our southeast waters to the north-west of our vast continent is threatening the future of our oceans, critical whale migration routes and marine ecosystems found nowhere else in the world.
At a time when Australia needs to drastically reduce our emissions to meet our 2015 Paris Agreement commitments, new oil and gas will lock in decades of disastrous climate pollution, and inflict serious harm on our marine environment and wildlife.
Seismic blasts are how the oil and gas industry surveys the ocean floor. Seismic vessels (boats) tow an array of air guns and audio receivers (hydrophones) behind them in the water. These powerful air guns fire loud blasts of compressed air every 10 to 15 seconds, 24 hours a day. The sound waves produced penetrate deep into the seabed, and those that bounce back to the sea surface are detected by the audio receivers. From the sound patterns detected, companies can work out the most likely place to find oil and gas reserves trapped in the ocean bedrock. The next step is exploratory drilling. These blasts are among the loudest human-made sounds in the ocean, just short of those caused by explosive devices, and have a devastating effect on marine life.
Learn moreSeismic blasting can cause stress and harm, potentially displacing nearby fish and other marine life. Evidence shows that these seismic blasts can kill shellfish and tiny zooplankton more than a kilometre away.¹ The impacts of seismic blasting on marine mammals, including whales, dolphins and seals include temporary and permanent hearing loss, abandonment of habitat, disruption of mating and feeding, beach strandings, and even death.² Research has indicated seismic blasting may even affect the immune system of lobsters.³
Despite mounting evidence of the harm seismic blasting can have, Australian law does not currently consider seismic blasts a threat to our marine life. Seismic blasting is still allowed in marine parks and in many critical ocean habitats.
SOURCES:
1. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-017-0195
2. Koper, R. P., & Plön, S. (2012). The potential impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine animals and recommendations for research in South Africa. Endangered Wildlife Trust.
3. https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2019-07-26/rock-lobsters-impacted-by-seismic-surveys/11343240
What is a Special Prospecting Authority? (SPA)
A Special Prospecting Authority is a specific type of permit that allows oil and gas companies to buy access to large areas of our oceans for a nominal sum. This enables companies to bypass the usual bidding process which is overseen by the federal government.
As each SPA is assessed in isolation, multiple companies can conduct seismic blasting in the same area of the ocean, repeatedly. The offshore regulator (NOPSEMA) does not take into consideration the cumulative impact of multiple blasts on marine life.
Special Prospecting Authorities allow seismic blasting companies to run amok in our oceans, seismic blasting in marine parks and other critical ocean habitat. There are currently two SPA application processes underway in the Otway basin.
Learn MoreTens of thousands of Australian ocean lovers have already spoken out against seismic blasting. Now’s the time for us to do the same against the threat of carbon pollution dumping and the expansion of dangerous gas drilling, for the sake of the oceans and marine life we love.
Our governments have a choice: support the fossil fuel industry that wants to blast, drill and dump in our oceans, or listen to the voices of ocean lovers and help save our unique marine life.