Environmental impact of seismic surveys

Seismic information is used to accurately plan locations for wells, reducing the need for further exploration and minimising environmental impact.

More than four decades of seismic surveying and numerous research projects – including research conducted by CSIRO and the Australian Institute of Marine Science – have shown no evidence that offshore seismic surveys harm marine environments or fishing catch rates.

Onshore seismic has been used in sensitive locations without damaging buildings or the environment. Seismic surveys have even been conducted in sensitive urban environments, such as central Paris.

All Australian whale populations are increasing. For example, humpback whale populations are increasing at close to their biological maximum – more than 10 per cent a year. There is much more offshore oil and gas activity on Australia’s west coast than on its east coast, but the rates of increase are almost identical.

Find out more about the environmental impact of seismic surveys here