Seismic testing has triggered concern for marine life off Victoria’s coast. 

ConocoPhillips, a multinational gas and oil company, says it will continue consultation amidst growing worries about its proposed seismic blast surveys for gas exploration in the Otway Basin, off south-west Victoria.

Community consultation sessions held by ConocoPhillips in Warrnambool, Port Fairy, and Portland have allowed residents to voice their concerns about the potential impact of seismic blasting on marine habitats and wildlife. 

Seismic blast testing is the initial step in oil and gas exploration, involving the firing of powerful air guns that produce loud blasts of compressed air every 10 to 15 seconds to survey seabeds.

The project is currently in the environmental assessment stage. If approved by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA), ConocoPhillips plans to explore commercially viable gas deposits at two sites in Commonwealth waters, one west of King Island and another off the coast of Warrnambool.

A local group called Protect the West is disputing the idea that seismic testing is a passive and non-invasive procedure, saying that scientific literature indicates the blasting can have an impact on the hearing and physiology of animals.

A review conducted by the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2013 revealed that seismic pulses could lead to “stress responses” in marine mammals or affect prey availability.

It is not the first time that issues with blasting techniques have been raised in the area.

Protect the West recently approached Warrnambool City Council, urging them to join other councils in opposing seismic blasting. The council has not yet taken a formal position on the matter.

Klarite, a consulting company working with the community, has defended the process of seismic surveying, saying that certain impacts, such as behavioural effects on marine mammals, are permitted under regulations. 

ConocoPhillips Australia's general manager of government and external affairs, Fiona McLeod, says the company is committed to meeting Australia's growing energy needs. 

“At the moment, [gas] is in demand because the biggest users of gas are industries and manufacturers that make everything from bricks to butter,” she said. 

While concerns continue to be raised, community consultation sessions are ongoing in Warrnambool, Port Fairy, and Portland.