MMS acoustic studies in the Gulf of Mexico, FY 2000

Abstract

Of the potential environmental effects resulting from offshore oil and gas activities, impacts on marine mammals are a concern from an ecological viewpoint and because of unique legal status. Many species of whales, dolphins, and seals have been exploited by man for centuries, some to the brink of extinction (a few to extinction). In U.S. waters, all marine mammals are legally protected from exploitation under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and many of the large whales are also protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Marine mammals and habitats are also part of environmental analyses conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Historically, “effects” of offshore oil and gas operations on the environment were predominantly associated with water quality and chemical pollutants (oil spills, in particular); other concerns were drilling discharges and other potential chemical releases and platform runoff. In addition to contamination and toxic effects on marine mammals, other potential effects from offshore operations were recognized. For marine mammals, loss of hearing or masked communications can ultimately lead to dire consequences. Noise contamination—the effects of loud and/or disturbing sounds—was a particular concern in Alaska and west coast waters because of special circumstances. They included possible disruption of migratory routes of gray whales and bowhead whales and interference in native whale hunts. Minerals Management Service (MMS) funded several pioneering studies on the effects of noise on marine mammals and, with the Office of Naval Research, supported publication of the landmark book Marine Mammals and Noise in 1995. More recently, a 1995 3-D seismic survey in the Santa Barbara Channel brought Exxon, MMS, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), several state and local agencies, fishermen, and environmental groups to an impasse over survey procedures and mitigation. Issues were resolved only after several last-minute meetings. MMS's Pacific OCS Region met …