Research Document - 2009/040
Spatial restrictions and temporal planning as measures to mitigate potential effects of seismic noise on cetaceans: a working example from the Canadian Beaufort Sea, 2007-2008
By Harwood, L., Joynt, A., Kennedy, D., Pitt, R., and Moore, S.
Abstract
The Statement of Canadian Practice (SOCP) (DFO 2008) with respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment specifies the minimum mitigation requirements to be met during the planning and conduct of marine seismic surveys in Canada. These requirements are intended to complement existing environmental assessment processes, including those defined in settled land claims such as the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA). Section 13(b) of the Statement recognizes additional or modified environmental mitigation measures to be necessary in certain situations.
Since 2006, seismic operators in the Canadian Beaufort Sea have worked closely with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to develop a mitigation regime specific to the area and operational situations. Enhancements to the SOCP mitigation requirements include spatial restrictions and temporal planning around critical marine mammal habitat, communication strategies, and the use of multiple safety zones specific to the Beaufort Sea’s bathymetry and seafloor substrates (Lawson 2009). DFO conducted systematic aerial surveys in 2007 and 2008, with the results being used to define bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) feeding aggregation areas in the southeastern (SE) Beaufort Sea. This formed part of the mitigation strategy, and in particular contributed to industry and DFO’s determination of spatial and temporal restrictions for the planning and conduct of the seismic surveys.
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