Seismic blasting can cause stress and harm, potentially displacing nearby fish and other marine life. Evidence shows that these seismic blasts can kill shellfish and tiny zooplankton more than a kilometre away.¹ The impacts of seismic blasting marine mammals including whales, dolphins and seals include temporary and permanent hearing loss, abandonment of habitat, disruption of mating and feeding, beach strandings, and even death2. Research has indicated seismic blasting may even affect the immune system of lobsters3.
Despite mounting evidence of the harm seismic blasting can have, Australian law does not currently consider seismic blasts a threat to our marine life. Seismic blasting is still allowed in marine parks and in many critical ocean habitats.
SOURCES:
1. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-017-0195
2. Koper, R. P., & Plön, S. (2012). The potential impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine animals and recommendations for research in South Africa. Endangered Wildlife Trust.
3. https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2019-07-26/rock-lobsters-impacted-by-seismic-surveys/11343240
Whistleblower reveals risks to marine life from seismic blasting