Marine Seismic Surveys: The Search for Oil and Gas offshore Atlantic Canada Presentation to oversight hearing on ?The Science behind Discovery: Seismic Exploration and the Future of the Atlantic OCS? Paul Barnes Manager, Atlantic…
Overview ? Who is CAPP ? Atlantic Canada Offshore Overview ? What is a marine seismic survey? ? Why are seismic surveys conducted? ? What are the impacts of seismic surveys? ? Environmental protection during seismic surveys ?…
? Represents Canadian upstream oil & gas sector (~ 100 member companies) ? Members explore for, develop and produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, and oil sands throughout Canada ? Members produce about 90 per cent of…
Atlantic Canada Offshore ? Bringing substantial benefits to region: ? Directly employs over 7,000 people (thousands more indirectly) ? Supports over 800 local supply/service companies ? Cumulative expenditures since 1996 - over…
What is a marine seismic survey? Uses sound energy to map geological structures under the seabed Vessels tow devices that use compressed air to produce pulses of high energy, low frequency sound waves Sound waves can penetrate…
? Types of seismic surveys: ? Two dimensional (2D): Uses one sound source and one set of receivers ? Three dimensional (3D): Uses multiple synchronized sound sources and hydrophones ? Four dimensional (4D): Uses multiple synchronized…
Why are seismic surveys conducted? ? Seismic surveys provide information on the depth, position and shape of underground geological formations that may contain oil or gas ? Data is processed to improve the quality and filter out…
Why are seismic surveys conducted Seismic surveys help companies decide whether: ? The available information is sufficient to justify drilling an exploratory well ? Additional surveys are needed to better define the structures…
? Substantial research has been conducted to determine whether seismic surveys have an impact on ocean life and additional research is ongoing: ? Current research indicated there is minimal risk of mortality in marine mammals, fish…
Environmental protection ? Comprehensive Environmental Assessments (EAs) are completed prior to conducting surveys which must be approved by regulators ? Seismic vessels and their operators are guided by the Statement of Canadian…
Impact on fishing and marine industries ? Seismic surveys in the Atlantic Canada offshore must be scheduled during optimal weather conditions (June to Sept) because: ? Surveys cannot take place if waves are higher than 3 metres ?…
? Fishing industry advised of marine seismic survey activity through direct communication and communiqu?s with fishing industry members, public service announcements etc. ? In NL a single point of contact is appointed by the operator…
More information available at: www.capp.ca www.oneocean.ca Questions?
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