How community opposition sent TGS/SLB’s seismic blasting proposal packing from Australia’s south-east oceans.
In a major victory for marine conservation, TGS/SLB’s 3D seismic blasting proposal was officially cancelled in September 2024. Thanks to the tireless efforts of communities, environmental groups, and concerned individuals across Australia, the largest 3D seismic blasting proposal on record is not going ahead.
The seismic blasting project originally threatened over 77,000 square kilometres of ocean. This included inside critical habitats for endangered pygmy blue whales and southern right whales. However, thanks to people power and widespread public opposition, the project was repeatedly scaled back. Eventually, it was cancelled almost two years to the day after it was initially proposed.
This is a case study in how grassroots activism can make an enormous difference in protecting our marine environments from harmful fossil fuel exploration.
Shrunk and then sunk: A timeline of the TGS/SLB proposal and how you got it cancelled.
September 2022: TGS/SLB’s initial proposal
TGS/SLB proposed the largest 3D seismic blasting project on record in Australia inside two Commonwealth marine parks, and through endangered pygmy blue whale habitat. The initial proposal spanned 77,000 square kilometres – an area larger than Tasmania!
July 2023: Public consultation begins
The offshore regulator, NOPSEMA, opened public consultation on TGS/SLB’s proposal, receiving 30,000 submissions, including 20,000 from AMCS supporters, voicing opposition to the proposal.
December 2023: Community opposition sees the proposal shrunk
TGS/SLB reduced the scope of their proposal but still planned seismic blasting inside Zeehan Marine Park, and right next to Nelson Marine Park. It also still proposed seismic blasting near endangered whale feeding grounds. Protests, paddle outs, and rallies continued along the Surf Coast, demanding an end to seismic blasting.
August 2024: NOPSEMA sends the proposal back one last time
After years of public pressure and mounting opposition, NOPSEMA sent the seismic blasting plan back for revision multiple times, citing failures in community consultation and threats to endangered whales.
26 September 2024: TGS/SLB proposal cancelled for good
Just 30 days after being sent back once again, TGS/SLB officially cancelled their seismic blasting proposal — a monumental win for Australia’s south-east ocean and all the marine creatures who call it home.
What can we learn from this victory against TGS/SLB’s seismic blasting proposal?
The cancellation of the TGS/SLB proposal is an enormous win for Australia’s oceans. It showed how important it is for ocean lovers like you to use your voice and speak up for endangered whales.
Your actions create impact. So, here’s how you can continue the fight against seismic blasting.
- Take action: Take part in public comment submissions on future fossil fuel project proposals that AMCS is campaigning on. Speak with your local Member of Parliament. Contact Federal Ministers like Resource Minister Madeleine King on issues that matter to you.
- Stay engaged: Follow the science and understand the marine impacts. From seismic blasting harming marine life like whales and krill, to the climate implications of locking in new fossil fuel production.
Together, we can protect Australia’s oceans from the threats posed by the fossil fuel industry. TGS/SLB showed that we can stop these projects before they start!
Seismic blasting Special Prospecting Authorities still need to go.
Seismic blasting projects like the one TGS/SLB proposed, use a dodgy cheap permit called a Special Prospecting Authority (SPA).
New marine park rules mean the fossil fuel industry won’t be able to carry out seismic blasting inside marine parks going forward. However they can still use dodgy SPA permits to blast up to marine park boundaries. This enables them to continue to harm endangered species like whales that move in and out of protected areas.
It’s time to abolish SPA permits and close this dangerous loophole. Head to the link below to take action now and protect Australia’s oceans!