Mitigation Measures

Mitigation measures are implemented to reduce real threats to marine species. EnerGeo Alliance supports seismic survey mitigation measures that are grounded in the best available science and consistent with existing practices that are proven to be effective and operationally feasible. However, we do not support mitigation measures that have no basis in fact or science or aimed at addressing presumed but unproven effects that have not occurred nor are projected to occur.

More than five decades of extensive worldwide seismic survey activities and scientific research indicate that the risk of direct physical injury from sound to marine mammals is extremely low. Additionally, there is no scientific evidence demonstrating biologically significant negative impacts on marine mammal populations.

The energy geoscience and exploration industry supports utilizing effective mitigation measures based on corresponding levels of potential risk or significant potential impacts on marine animals. Such an approach helps to ensure that the scope of mitigation measures implemented in the field are appropriate to the level of potential risk and specific to the local population of marine animals.

Stewardship is a priority for the energy geoscience industry and part of its core values. The seismic industry is committed to conducting its operations in an environmentally responsible manner and utilizes mitigation measures, such as exclusion zones, soft-starts, and protected species observers to further reduce any possibility of impacts to marine populations.​​

If implemented on a case-by-case basis, closures should be limited to areas where seismic surveys pose a plausible, documented potential for risk to the species of interest. According to the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), critical habitat consists of spaces required for life processes such as shelter, feeding, and reproducing. Under this definition, closure areas should not encompass expanded swaths of “precautionary” territory.

Required levels of protection and mitigation standards should be risk-based, practicable and equally applied to all ocean users based on the relative risks posed by each activity.