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What are the risks to marine life from seismic air gun testing?

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Seismic air gun testing is a method of exploring the subsurface of the ocean floor for oil and gas deposits. It involves firing powerful blasts of sound waves into the water, which bounce back and are recorded by sensors. The data can help identify potential drilling sites and estimate the size and quality of the reservoirs. However, this technique also poses serious risks to marine life, especially to animals that rely on sound for communication, navigation, feeding, and mating. In this article, you will learn about some of the impacts of seismic air gun testing on different marine species and ecosystems.

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Sushant Rastogi

Energy Transition & Utilities Industry Platform | Consulting & Sales Strategy |CXO Strategy| Advisory | Business…
Lori Brierre

Director Strategic Operations at Clemson University

1 How does seismic air gun testing affect marine mammals?

Marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions, use sound to communicate with each other, locate prey, avoid predators, and find mates. Seismic air gun testing can interfere with these vital functions by masking their natural sounds, causing stress, displacement, behavioral changes, and even physical injuries. Some studies have shown that seismic air gun testing can reduce the feeding and breeding success of whales and dolphins, alter their migration patterns, and increase the risk of strandings and mortality. Seismic air gun testing can also damage the hearing of marine mammals, which can impair their ability to survive in their environment.

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Sushant Rastogi

Energy Transition & Utilities Industry Platform | Consulting & Sales Strategy |CXO Strategy| Advisory | Business Development | Energy Transition | Decarbonization | CCUS | OSDU | Sustainability | Oil & Gas | Utilities |
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While expectations exist, the validity of speculations isn't 100%. I've witnessed continuous noise from hydrophones during 3D seismic data acquisition in the Indian offshore, recognized as whale communication. Initially, dynamite was used even in the marine environment for seismic work. Wildlife faces challenges from various human activities, including shipping. Seismic data collection is temporary, with vessels constantly moving and not repeating airgun shots at the same spot. Implementing safety measures on support boats to disperse marine mammals could reduce airgun impact. Despite uncertainties, proactive arrangements can minimize the effects, emphasizing the need for ongoing assessment and precautions.

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Lori Brierre

Director Strategic Operations at Clemson University
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As many marine mammals communicate thru sound I would imagine this kind of noise cause confusion, stress and could impact natural behaviors such as migration. Of done long enough it may even impact evolution perhaps they will change the way they communicate to account for this kind of noise. Which would cause further confusion because the testing (noise) is not world wide.

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Tidal Tao

Snorkel Safaris , Rocky Shore Walks, Environmental Education programs for schools all with accredited guides
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Seismic air gun testing poses risks to marine life, including potential harm to marine mammals, fish, and other organisms. The intense sound waves generated by air guns can disrupt communication, navigation, and feeding behaviors of marine animals. It may lead to stress, displacement, or even physical damage to sensitive structures like the ears of marine mammals. Additionally, the impact on fish larvae and invertebrates remains a concern. Conservation measures are being explored to mitigate these risks.

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2 How does seismic air gun testing affect fish and invertebrates?

Fish and invertebrates also use sound for various purposes, such as detecting predators, finding food, orienting themselves, and maintaining social bonds. Seismic air gun testing can disrupt these activities by creating noise pollution, which can reduce the abundance and diversity of fish and invertebrates in the affected areas. Seismic air gun testing can also cause physical harm to fish and invertebrates, such as rupturing their swim bladders, damaging their sensory organs, and affecting their growth and reproduction. Some studies have reported that seismic air gun testing can reduce the catch rates of commercial fish species, such as cod, haddock, and herring, and affect the distribution and behavior of lobsters, crabs, and scallops.

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Sushant Rastogi

Energy Transition & Utilities Industry Platform | Consulting & Sales Strategy |CXO Strategy| Advisory | Business Development | Energy Transition | Decarbonization | CCUS | OSDU | Sustainability | Oil & Gas | Utilities |
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We don't know which study claims the harm to fish and invertebrates due to seismic air guns. There are many natural destructions like tsunamis, turbidity currents, gyres, volcanic eruptions etc. which also severely affect marine wildlife. Seismic data acquisition is not a continuous process. Seismic data is acquired once in an area. It may not affect marine wildlife more than the regular shipping industry.

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3 How does seismic air gun testing affect marine habitats and ecosystems?

Marine habitats and ecosystems are composed of complex interactions among different species and environmental factors. Seismic air gun testing can alter these interactions by affecting the structure and function of marine communities. For example, seismic air gun testing can reduce the availability and quality of food resources for marine animals, change the composition and diversity of species, and affect the predator-prey relationships. Seismic air gun testing can also damage the physical features of marine habitats, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and kelp forests, which provide shelter, food, and nursery grounds for many marine organisms.

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4 What are the regulatory and mitigation measures for seismic air gun testing?

Seismic air gun testing is regulated by different authorities and agencies in different countries and regions, depending on the location, duration, and intensity of the activity. To mitigate the impacts of this activity, environmental impact assessments and consultations with stakeholders should be conducted before the activity. Exclusion zones and monitoring programs should be established to avoid or minimize the exposure of sensitive species and habitats to noise. Acoustic devices, such as marine mammal observers and passive acoustic monitoring, can be used to detect the presence of marine animals and implement shutdown or delay procedures if necessary. Noise reduction technologies, such as bubble curtains and low-frequency sources, should be applied to reduce sound levels. Additionally, seasonal and spatial restrictions should be implemented to avoid critical areas and times for marine life.

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5 What are the alternatives to seismic air gun testing?

Seismic air gun testing is not the only method of exploring the subsurface of the ocean floor for oil and gas deposits. Alternatives to this testing include using electromagnetic methods, such as controlled-source electromagnetics and magnetotellurics, which use electric and magnetic fields to map the subsurface structures and properties. Additionally, variations in the earth's gravity and magnetic fields can be used to detect geological features and anomalies. Lastly, seismic methods that do not rely on air guns, such as vibroseis and marine seismic sources, can be used to generate seismic waves with water guns or sparker devices. All of these techniques can provide similar or better information with less or no impact on marine life.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the risks to marine life from seismic air gun testing?

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1 How does seismic air gun testing affect marine mammals?

2 How does seismic air gun testing affect fish and invertebrates?

3 How does seismic air gun testing affect marine habitats and ecosystems?

4 What are the regulatory and mitigation measures for seismic air gun testing?

5 What are the alternatives to seismic air gun testing?

6 Here’s what else to consider

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