What does this mean?
We already know that seismic testing represents the first step towards oil and gas development, which is fraught with troubling environmental consequences. However, seismic testing alone is a major threat to marine wildlife and our ocean ecosystems.
The planned surveys will utilize high-decibel sound blasts – underwater explosions – that will saturate the marine environment with noise pollution. Vessels towing airguns will traverse large swaths of ocean, releasing acoustic blasts every ten seconds for weeks or months on end. This seismic exploration will occur over thousands of square miles and cause devastating impacts to marine wildlife and the health of the ecosystem.
Yet, the negative effects of seismic exploration will not be limited to just the ecological realm. Communities on the Atlantic coast depend on a healthy ocean to support industries such as recreation, tourism, and commercial fishing. The degradation to the marine ecosystem caused by seismic exploration will put these industries – and the billions of dollars they contribute to the region’s economy – at risk.
Now is the Time to Speak Up!
The next weeks are a critical time to speak up against seismic testing. A public comment period on pending seismic permit applications is open until April 29, 2015. In addition, upcoming public hearings will be held in Jacksonville, Florida on April 21st and Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina on April 27th.
To review permit applications posted for public comment click here
For a sample comment letter to submit to BOEM click here
To contact your elected representatives on this issue click here