Seventy-five scientists have issued a plea to President Obama to halt the use of seismic airguns in the Atlantic Ocean. The guns are used for oil and gas exploration mapping, and create a blast of air and sound underwater.
There are concerns that the noise pollution will have negative effects on marine species like whales and dolphins, which rely on sound waves to communicate. The airguns are not a sporadic interruption – they fire every ten to twelve seconds for a period of weeks or months.
Scientists believe airgun activity will disrupt the mating, feeding, and migration behavior of marine mammals and fish. Of particular concern are endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale. Research also suggests seismic blasts may cause physical harm to species like squid.
The Obama Administration announced earlier this year that it would allow drilling off the Atlantic coast for the first time in more than 30 years. Nine applications for seismic blasting have already been filed, with oil and gas development expected to begin in 2017.
The Department of the Interior has stated that the estimated 13 million blasts expected to take place over approximately six years will not ‘seriously disrupt’ marine life. Yet research has shown that airgun noise reduces the catch rate for fish and foraging activity for whales.
Seismic blasting applications are currently under review. The scientists that signed onto the letter, which was led by researchers at Cornell University, are urging the Administration to reject Interior’s decision.
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Web Links
Obama asked to protect whales from sound blasting
Scientists to Obama: Stop Controversial Sound Blasting Threatening Atlantic Whales, Fish
Photo, posted November 7, 2009, courtesy of Andrew Ballantyne via Flickr.
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Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio, with script contribution from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.