Second seismic blasting proposal sparks urgent calls for marine protection

THE offshore regulator is considering a seismic blasting proposal off Victoria’s south-west coast, as conservation groups and residents voice concerns over its potential impact on marine life and coastal communities.

The proposal, submitted by geotechnical company CGG, has been progressing through regulatory channels and could receive approval as early as February 7.

It follows last year’s collapse of a separate seismic blasting plan in the Otway Basin by TGS/SLB, which was abandoned after intense public and political opposition.

 

 

Louise Morris, campaign manager for the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), said seismic blasting continued to pose a serious risk to Australia’s marine ecosystems.

“For the past few years we’ve been working hard with community groups to stop seismic blasting proposals for fossil fuel exploration in our south east oceans.

“With a win in getting TGS to cancel plans, for what was the largest 3D seismic blasting proposal on record in Australian Waters.”

While CGG’s proposal differs in scope, environmental groups say the fundamental risks remain.

Otway Climate Environment Network (OCEAN) campaigner Lisa Deppeler said the blasting would affect southern right whale migration routes near Warrnambool and could disrupt little penguin colonies along the west coast.

“This seismic blasting, if allowed to go ahead, will not only harm our migratory whale populations, but is also seriously damaging for our Little Penguin populations along the west coast, as the recent report by marine scientist Carli Reeves has shown,” she said.

 

 

CGG has applied for a Special Prospecting Authority (SPA) permit, which conservation groups argue bypasses stricter environmental protections applied to other exploration activities.

In November, a Private Members Bill to end the use of SPA permits was introduced by independent MP Dr Monique Ryan and seconded by Liberal MP Bridget Archer.

The bill is scheduled for debate in parliament during the same week the CGG proposal is expected to receive a decision.

“A matter of days after the Private Members Bill to abolish SPA permits was tabled, AMCS launched the campaign calling for the Albanese Government to declare an urgent moratorium on seismic blasting, to allow the recommendation of the Making Waves Senate Inquiry on seismic blasting to be undertaken,” Ms Morris said.

The 2021-22 inquiry highlighted significant gaps in understanding the harm seismic blasting inflicts on marine life, yet its recommendations remain unimplemented.

 

 

The controversy surrounding seismic blasting has galvanised communities across southern Victoria.

Rallies along the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road have drawn thousands of protesters, with residents demanding stronger protections for marine ecosystems.

Ms Deppeler said the community was determined to ensure their voices are heard.

“OCEAN is supporting the call for a nationwide urgent moratorium on seismic blasting for fossil fuels as this is an issue that is close to home and urgent for us,” she said.

As the CGG proposal awaits a decision, conservation groups and residents are urging federal politicians to take a stand.