Right whales threatened by planned seismic surveys along Mid- and Southeastern Atlantic seaboard, say scientists

Date: April 14, 2016

Source: Wildlife Conservation Society

A series of seismic surveys for oil and gas planned for the mid- and southeastern Atlantic coastal areas of the United States pose a substantial threat to one of the world's most endangered whale species, according to a group of renowned marine mammal scientists urging a halt to the surveys in a statement released today.

In an open letter sent to President Obama, the 27 leading right whale experts -- including scientists from Cornell Lab of Ornithology, New England Aquarium, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Duke University, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution -- stated that seismic oil and gas surveys planned in the waters between Delaware and Florida would significantly impact the acoustically sensitive North Atlantic right whale, an endangered species numbering no more than 500 animals, and "would jeopardize its survival."

Last month, the administration excluded oil and gas leases in the same regions for the next five years, but the controversial seismic surveys may continue as planned.

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Humpback whale singing affected by seismic surveys

Posted by: Leya Musa / 3 days ago

A study of singing humpback whales off the coast of Northern Angola has shown that singing during the breeding season is reduced in the presence of noise from seismic surveying. This reduced singing can have a negative impact on the breeding displays of the whales.

The study was carried out between March and December 2008. Using passive monitoring equipment the researchers took sound samples for the first 10 minutes of every hour. During July and also October the survey also recorded the sounds of seismic surveying activity. During these periods the numbers of singing humpback whales decreased substantially.

With the African coast becoming an attractive region for oil and gas companies the researchers say that more information is needed to determine the impact that the developments are having on the whales that live and breed along the coast. As the whale populations are still recovering from the days of the whaling industry there may be a need for greater conservation activities and management of seismic surveying.

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