How could the fishing & seismic industries achieve a closer working relationship?

Transcription

1 How could the fishing & seismic industries achieve a closer working relationship? Seafood Directions Perth, 26 October 2015 John Hughes IAGC Regional Consultant

2 Disclaimer The proposals I make in this presentation, although shared by many in the petroleum industry, may not represent, in total, the agreed position of all IAGC member companies nor the clients of IAGC member companies. They are presented for consideration and possible joint development/enhancement by both our industries. 2

3 Outline of Presentation Introduction A (very) brief overview of the seismic process A few seismic facts that may be of interest The multi-client business model Brief review of types of research into impacts on fish and invertebrates Examples of closer working relationships Summary - what can we do going forward? 3

4 Introduction (the need for co-existence) Both industries are issued permits/licences to operate in the same areas and operational seasons often coincide. Both industries operate in a similar regulatory environment: Access restrictions Misguided or over-regulation (public pressure) Delayed decisions Regulatory creep Generally driven by public pressure Although there are examples of close cooperation/ coordination, poor communications and lack of understanding can sometimes lead to significant problems. 4

5 Brief overview of the Seismic Process Recording geometry hydrophone cable can be up to 12 km long 5. 5

6 Brief overview of the Seismic Process Seismic profiling as seen on the surface of the ocean 2D acquisition 3D acquisition 6. 6

7 A few seismic facts that will be of interest The operating pressure of a seismic array is 2000 psi This compares with: 3,000,000 psi for an underwater dynamite explosion 45,000 psi for the chamber pressure of a.303 rifle (often used as a power-head ) psi for a diver s oxygen cylinder Even though attenuation in water is slower than in air, it is still significant. Approximates to doubling the distance halves the sound level (6dB = double or half). Eg: 230dB at 1m 224dB at 2m 218dB at 4m 212dB at 8m 206dB at 16m, etc 7

8 A few seismic facts that may be of interest Unfortunately, the logarithmic scale used by acousticians (to display a significant range of values on one plot) is confusing and not representative of the attenuation. The following two graphs show how a log-log graph portrays attenuation as a straight line whereas the linear-linear shows dramatic attenuation: 8

9 A few seismic facts that may be of interest Other sounds in the Ocean There are many other sounds in the ocean which are not all that different from seismic sounds: Large Ship: 200dB Echo-sounder: 235dB Seismic pulse: dB Breaching whale: 200dB Killer Whale: 224dB Bottlenose Dolphin: 225dB Sperm Whale: 236dB Calving/colliding icebergs: dB Lightning strike: 260dB Undersea Earthquake; 272dB 10lbs of TNT: 279dB 9

10 Multi-client business model A seismic contractor (ie IAGC member) will propose to acquire seismic data in a prospective area: gazettal area; successful exploration well. Objective is to sell the data to a number of clients (unlike the proprietory model in which the data is acquired for one client) Avoids overlapping proprietory data, but the surveys are generally larger. A number of seismic contractors may propose similar multi-client surveys over the same area and must conduct their stakeholder engagement and marketing in parallel. This gives the impression that multiple duplicative surveys will occur. The market is unlikely to support more than 2 surveys (eg 2D & 3D, very different technologies) & may not even support one. 10

11 Brief review of the research 3 main categories of Research: 1. Exposing captive fish to seismic sounds. Provide a very rough guide only. Captive fish are not free to execute their natural behaviours which would reduce their exposure (it is known that in captivity they do not exhibit their full range of behaviours, reproduce as successfully or exhibit context-specific behaviour). Characteristics of sound exposure in captivity (eg in a tank) is not representative of exposure in open water or a full seismic array. 2. Important to study fish in their natural environment. Costly and difficult but great opportunities for using seismic surveys as platforms of opportunity (close cooperation) 11

12 Brief review of the research 3 main categories of information (cont.): 3. Catch statistics relative to seismic surveys. This is probably an area where close cooperation between our industries would lead to better understanding of the issue. Such studies would be cost effective but the impact of numerous issues would have to be accommodated, such as: changes in fishing gear over time; confidentiality of the catch statistics; statistical methods utilised to analyse the data; knowledge of other possible impacts in the area; and good understanding of the sound field generated by seismic surveys involved. Nevertheless, it is an area of study which could yield some important results to both our industries. 12

13 Examples of closer working relationships 1. Rock lobster fishing - coordination of activities: Some associations in Western Australia, Victoria and Tasmania Hire of scout vessel from local fleet Permit to remove pots from path of seismic vessel Compensation for loss of catch as a result of temporarily removing pots and returning them to the relevant fisherman Calculated on previous catch rates Model appears to work well 13

14 Examples of closer working relationships 2. Participation in annual meetings: TRLFA (Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermens Association) During , when my employer conducted surveys along the Southern Margins (from SA to Tasmania), I participated in TRLFA s Technical Day and Dinner, each October. Presented each year at Technical Day regardless of whether seismic surveys were planned in the upcoming season. Reported on last season s work or on an aspect of seismic such as acoustic monitoring. Built relationships. Part of community. Lobster taste-off!! 14

15 Examples of closer working relationships 2. Participation in annual meetings: TRLFA (cont) 15

16 Examples of closer working relationships 3. Working together to better understand seismic survey impacts on a very localised fishery: Gold Band Snapper fishery (NT) Seismic survey located in highest catch area based on CPUE. Previous 3 years CPUE released under confidentiality agreements Seasonal and annual catch trends analysed by experienced ex-csiro statistician. Forward projections agreed between parties Operator agreed to compensate for lost catch (if any) on basis of actual CPUE results relative to forward estimates, on condition that: 16

17 Examples of closer working relationships Gold Band Snapper fishery (NT) (cont) Fishing would continue (close on-water cooperation to ensure ability to fish was maximised) as it would provide much needed insights into the impacts of seismic surveys. If it was not possible to fish in the vicinity of the survey area, operator would compensate for fuel costs involved in trial fishing in other areas (generally requiring more sail time to get there). Some gold band snapper in vicinity of seismic survey would be caught and evaluated in a Curtin University study (Seismic survey located in highest catch area based on CPUE). 17

18 Examples of closer working relationships Gold Band Snapper fishery (NT) (cont) General results (NB. detailed results still subject to confidentiality agreement). New Gold Band Snapper fishing locations found. I have been told by fishermen that the costs of the analysis probably came to more than the amount paid out in compensation (I was not involved on the survey when the project was closed but would not have been able to divulge anyway!) Reasonable catches still caught in relatively close proximity to the seismic survey (see example in following slide). 18

19 Examples of closer working relationships Gold Band Snapper Catch - 4 July

20 Summary what can we do to achieve a closer working relationship? Merge catch statistics with seismic survey (and other) information. (cooperation: leads to better understanding of concerns and potential impacts). Potentially use seismic surveys as platforms of opportunity. Eg monitor sound levels at key locations; monitor behavioural or physical responses to sound; etc. (cooperation and coordination) Minimise impacts on each other s operations (on water cooperation and coordination). Eg. With close coordination it is possible to fish in the survey area and get good catches. Communicate Best Available Science in an open and transparent manner. Support studies to fill the knowledge gaps after a detailed & balanced review of current knowledge. 20

21 Thank you for listening Thank you for listening. IAGC looks forward to further communication, coordination, cooperation and hence harmonious co-existence 21