Fisheries & Geophysical Surveys
Fisheries and Geophysical Surveys
EnerGeo Alliance recognizes the importance of healthy fish populations and sustainable fisheries to coastal communities, food security, marine ecosystems, and regional economies. The energy geoscience and exploration industry has operated alongside commercial and recreational fisheries in many regions of the world for decades, including the Gulf of America, Norway, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The available scientific evidence does not demonstrate that geophysical survey activity causes biologically significant population-level impacts to fish populations or long-term adverse effects on commercial fisheries. While some studies have reported temporary changes in fish behavior, distribution, or catch rates during or shortly after survey operations, such observations do not necessarily indicate ecologically significant impacts. Changes in catch rates may reflect temporary changes in fish behavior or catchability rather than changes in underlying fish populations. These observations have not been shown to result in sustained reductions in fish abundance, recruitment, or fishery productivity.
EnerGeo supports environmental assessments that are scientifically robust, transparent, and proportionate to potential risk. Assessments should distinguish between exposure to a stressor, short-term behavioral responses, changes in catchability, and ecologically significant impacts at the population or ecosystem level. Environmental decisions should be informed by the totality of available scientific evidence and focused on demonstrated ecological consequences.
EnerGeo also recognizes that successful coexistence between fisheries and marine exploration activities depends not only on sound science, but also on effective communication, transparency, and engagement with fisheries stakeholders. The energy geoscience industry routinely works with fisheries representatives, fishery liaison personnel, regulators, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders to facilitate communication, reduce operational conflicts, and promote the safe and efficient coexistence of fishing and exploration activities. Early engagement, information sharing, consultation, and consideration of local conditions can help minimize disruptions and support informed decision-making by all parties.
The energy geoscience and exploration industry remains committed to responsible operations, continued scientific research, and constructive stakeholder engagement. Through science-based environmental assessment, effective communication, and cooperative planning, fisheries and marine exploration activities can continue to coexist successfully, as they have in many regions around the world for decades.
