Abstract

Australian environmental legislation is impacting oil companies attempting to conduct seismic surveys due to the potential harm the acoustic waves inflict on wildlife ie whales. However these issues are more myth than fact. The seismic industry has the facts and the track record for seismic surveys. However, all sections of the seismic industry need to become more proactive. The huge amount of empirical data generated on an ongoing basis needs to be collected/ collated to increase the knowledge data base. There needs to be a systematic response to the issues including individuals being better informed and respond to outrageous claims, companies should also respond to outrageous claims made about their operation and industry associations must be more responsive and active on the issue.

Keywords: Sound Intensity • OPGGSA & ER • NOPSEMA • SEWPac • EPBC • NES

Presented at: 2013 South East Asia Petroleum Exploration Society (SEAPEX) Conference, Singapore, 2013