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Better technology and training needed for monitoring effect of seismic exploration on marine life
- Source: First Break, Volume 25, Issue 8, Aug 2007,
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- 01 Aug 2007
Abstract
Ross Compton of OceanEar, part of the UK-based WGP Group, explains the issues in developing mitigation measures to protect marine mammals from the possible but unproven impact of seismic survey operations. T he marine geophysical exploration industry is coming under increasing scrutiny and regulation due to growing public concern and emerging scientific evidence that underwater noise may impact upon marine mammal populations and other marine life. As a result, geophysical contractors have become accustomed to working under guidelines such as those issued by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) in the UK, which have been in place since the mid-1990s. These guidelines describe the personnel and procedures necessary to mitigate the effects of seismic exploration and other potentially disruptive offshore activities upon the marine biosphere. In certain areas, adherence to these guidelines is now mandatory.