Researchers may have found a way to reduce seismic survey impacts on whales and other endangered species.
In these surveys "intense sounds" are used to look for oil and gas on the seafloor as well as mapping out continental shelves; this can cause problems in aquatic populations, an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) news release reported.
"This is a valuable tool for oil and gas companies, regulators and others on all aspects of developing and implementing successful environmental monitoring and mitigation programmes that are precautionary, responsible and effective," says lead author Doctor Doug Nowacek, IUCN Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel Member from Duke University, said in the news release.
Whales rely on sound for communication, navigation, and even catching their next meal. The loud nosies imposed by the seafloor surveys can cause stress in the animals, which could lead to changes in behavior and breeding.
The study describes the "most comprehensive whale protection [program] ever developed for a seismic survey," according to the news release. The study was conducted off the coast of Russia in a popular whale feeding ground.
"The survey was completed on schedule and all monitoring and mitigation components were successfully implemented. The company obtained the necessary data, while, at the same time, minimizing the risk of disturbance to whales. The approach was so successful that the results of ongoing analysis have not revealed significant direct impact on the whales," Carl Gustaf Lundin, Director of Global Marine and Polar Programme at IUCN, said in the news release.
The feeding area near Sakhalin has a bounty of offshore oil and gas deposits, but is also a crucial habitat for the Western Gray Whales, which are listed as "Critically Endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
"Key to minimizing impacts during seismic surveys is advance knowledge of marine life distribution and migrations and timing a survey accordingly," co-author Doctor Greg Donovan, Chairman of the WGWAP Seismic Survey and Noise Task Forces and Head of Science at the International Whaling Commission said in the news release. "In the Sakhalin case that means conducting the survey as early as possible in spring when the ice has melted but most of the whales have not yet arrived."
Other recommendations include: "Obtain baseline ecological data; Conduct detailed advance planning, communication and critical review of survey design and mitigation approaches; Restrict the survey area and limit estimated noise levels to minimize a survey's "acoustic footprint"; Employ real-time visual and acoustic monitoring of noise levels, whale locations and behavior, before during and after the survey; Halt the survey if the animals are too close or show strong reactions to the seismic activity; [and] Conduct systematic analyses of results to inform future planning and mitigation."
