The IOGP E&P Sound & Marine Life Joint Industry Programme – an international research programme to fill key data gaps

In response to increasing societal and regulatory concerns over the effect of sound on marine life, the E&P industry has been playing a pro-active role to manage this issue, through the establishment of the SML JIP. The SML JIP, under the auspices of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers, is a partnership of 12 oil and gas companies and the International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC). It is currently the largest non-governmental funder of research on this topic, having committed US $55 million to date. In order to advance understanding of the interaction between sound from oil and gas operations and marine life, the objectives of the SML JIP are 1) Support planning of E&P projects and risk assessments, 2) Provide the basis for appropriate operational measures that are protective of marine life, and 3) Inform policy and regulatory development. This program has resulted in the publication of more than 45 reports and over 100 peer-reviewed papers by independent scientists. All these research projects supported the data needs for thorough Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and associated impact mitigation. An example of a SML JIP funded study is presented as well.