T4400_Proposal_SP

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Memorial University of Newfoundland *

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4400

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Geography

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Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by Spriddle2587

1 An Analysis of Survey Techniques and Harm to Marine Life Mitigation Strategies A Comprehensive Analysis of Survey Techniques to Aid the Advancement of Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Operations and Mitigation Strategies to Reduce Harm to Marine Species. Research Project Proposal Tech 4400 – Technical Assessment Project Memorial University of Newfoundland Submitted By: Sara Priddle (201740305) Submitted to: Darrell Wells February 4, 2024

1 An Analysis of Survey Techniques and Harm to Marine Life Mitigation Strategies Abstract To assist in the preservation of species that are at risk of becoming endangered or threatened, Fisheries and Oceans Canada introduced the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2002 (DFO, 2015) . Since then, the offshore oil and gas sector has been conducting an increasing number of exploration seismic surveys in Canadian waters. Under Canadian authority, these surveys must be carried out with mitigation measures in place to lessen any potential harm that the surveys may cause to marine mammals (DFO, 2015) . However, more testing and research is required in areas where there is little knowledge regarding the extent to which seismic air guns harm marine life (Prideaux & Prideaux, 2016) . Along with research on marine animals to deepen our understanding of the effects of air guns, this research will examine operational, ecological, and economic factors to help develop novel mitigation tools and techniques. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches will be used for primary and secondary sources regarding the technical, operational, economic and ecological aspects . Background The petroleum exploration sector relies heavily on seismic surveys to visualise geological strata beneath the bottom. The science of sound energy and seismology are used in marine seismic surveying to map geological features beneath the seafloor (International Association of Geochemistry, 2002) . Towed devices send out bursts of acoustic (sound) waves through the water, which bounce back to receivers that monitor the wave's strength and return time (Gausland, 2003) . These surveys are the initial step in an oil and gas physical exploration process

2 An Analysis of Survey Techniques and Harm to Marine Life Mitigation Strategies that could lead to exploratory and delineation drilling, as well as production and transportation of economically viable oil and gas reserves to market (Prideaux & Prideaux, 2016) . Offshore seismic surveys continue to be a source of debate. Although it is an important exploration tool for the oil and gas sector around the world, many organisations believe it is damaging to aquatic mammals and other sea life (Carroll, 2017) . Underwater acoustics are essential for certain marine life's biological processes, and seismic airguns have been known to harm them. According to certain research, the frequency derived from these surveys has an impact on marine species, leading to behavioral problems, death, and hearing loss. Even with this current research, there are still studies that lack information that can help determine which mammals are impacted the most (Carroll, 2017) . Research Problem This assessment aims to evaluate seismic survey techniques in addition to other possible approaches that may prove beneficial in reducing harm to marine life. Along with an analysis of current mitigation strategies and the regulations of SARA laws. In order to design or further improve such precautionary measures in accordance with the best information on species- specific reactions to known exposure levels of low-frequency sound, it is imperative that a rigorous examination of the related science be done in order to identify knowledge gaps (Prideaux & Prideaux, 2016) . Research Methodology and Methods The recommended methodology for this project will be a hybrid quantitative and qualitative research strategy. In order to investigate and establish the technical and operational

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