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Environmental Studies Program Direction:
Seismic and Acoustic Impacts
Objective: To determine
potential impacts of seismic- and acoustic-related activities on marine mammals and to
develop environmental review protocols.
 The effect of
high-energy seismic surveys on endangered and nonendangered species, specifically marine
mammals, is an emerging issue on which there is limited applicable information. Seismic
surveys are a component of many information gathering efforts conducted in many parts of
the offshore and coastal waters. Seismic surveys use very short high-energy impulses of
sound directed downwards into the seafloor, with some energy being reflected back. There
is concern that these pulses, which lie towards the lower end of the range of human
hearing, may adversely affect nearby marine mammals, particularly endangered species. The
MMS has funded several studies on the effects of seismic noise on bowhead, gray, and
humpback whales (especially in Alaska) and is looking at acoustic issues and concerns in
temperate waters.
Recently in California, the MMS brought together a multi-stakeholder group (representing
Federal, State, and local agencies; the oil industry; fishermen; and environmental groups)
to address their mutual concerns and information needs regarding acoustics. A workshop was
formed where scientific and technical questions were addressed by an expert scientific
panel. The panel was asked to assess existing acoustic knowledge and to identify key
research needed to address specific issues and concerns. The information provided by the
panel will be useful in developing protocols for reviewing high-energy seismic surveys
proposed in the MMS OCS planning areas and in identifying future research and survey
needs.
Meeting the Need:
 | Maintain the MMS Bowhead Whale Monitoring Program as a means to
evaluate potential effects of industry activities (production and seismic survey noises)
that could impact whale migration and Alaskan subsistence activities.
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| Continue participation in the Interagency Coordinating Group (ICG) (along with the
National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Geological Survey’s Biological Resources
Division, Army Corps of Engineers, Marine Mammal Commission, and Office of Naval Research)
whose function is to coordinate the development and assembly of seismic and acoustic
information critical to the members.
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| A workshop formulated by the ICG will be held by the Office of Naval Research to
assemble current scientific knowledge of the effects of manmade sound on the marine
environment, and to identify and determine how best to fill any information gaps.
Resulting guidance will be on ocean acoustics, hearing and nonhearing physiological
effects, and behavioral effects. Upon completion of these tasks, another workshop led by
the National Marine Fisheries Service will address the understanding of impacts and other
anthropomorphic-related acoustic concerns. It is anticipated that workshop recommendations
will identify study needs in the areas of acoustic criteria and impact assessment, which
will ultimately assist agencies in formulating and updating regulations and guidelines.
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Scientific Panel Study Recommendations:
| Studies on overt hearing, behavioral, and physiological effects relating to sounds at or
above the 180 dB + 10 dB level for different species (focus on pinnipeds and small
cetaceans).
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| Studies on potential effects in the 140-180 dB range.
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| Studies on the effectiveness of ramp-up procedures.
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| New techniques (e.g., passive acoustic) and their effectiveness as monitoring tools.
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| Baseline study to produce a compilation of information, or matrix, on species, animals,
distribution, population status, and sensitivity to sound in California waters.
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For more information, contact Lee Benner.
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