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Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)

Collaborative Seismic Environment Plan (CSEP) project – a long-term, consistent, consortium-based approach to environmental approvals

Simon Molyneux A * , Samantha Jarvis B , Shane O’Donoghue C , Paul Miller C and Tim Duff D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Molyneux Advisors Pty Ltd, West Perth, WA, Australia.

B S2 Services, Willagee, WA, Australia.

C Millodon Consulting, Pearsall, WA, Australia.

D NERA, Perth, WA, Australia.

The APPEA Journal 63 S91-S95 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ22035
Accepted: 15 March 2023   Published: 11 May 2023

© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of APPEA.

Abstract

The Collaborative Seismic Environment Plan (CSEP) project was formed in 2018 by NERA (National Energy Resources Australia) and an industry consortium of marine seismic acquisition operators and exploration titleholders. Using a collaborative approach, the vision of the CSEP project was to streamline seismic survey environment plan preparation, submission and assessment by the regulator (National Offshore Petroleum Environmental and Safety Authority, NOPSEMA), with an emphasis on mutually agreed protocols with commercial fishers operating within the CSEP Operational Area. Stakeholder consultation undertaken during Environmental Plan (EP) preparation was identified by the consortium as a principal cause for concern and a common reason for unsuccessful EP submissions. The CSEP project has achieved the project’s vision through: A Commercial Fishing Industry Adjustment Protocol to provide a standardised, evidence-based process to assess and provide monetary adjustment to commercial fishers for loss of catch, displacement and gear loss/damage; an Operational Protocol to provide guidance regarding improved communications with commercial fishers, including the spatial and temporal repetition and advanced notifications of seismic activities; a single overarching approvals framework for seismic activities within the CSEP Operational Area; a consistent assessment of environmental receptors, potential impacts, and management controls for seismic activities; and Improved understanding of potential cumulative impacts of seismic activities across the CSEP Operational Area. The CSEP project is an example of best practice stakeholder consultation that can be applied to offshore oil and gas and renewable energy activities.

Keywords: adjustment protocol, collaborative seismic environment plan, commercial fishing, consortium, CSEP, environmental approvals, operational protocol, seismic survey, stakeholder consultation.

Simon Molyneux is a passionate advocate for the energy geoscience industry’s vital role in connecting the world to energy. Simon has more than a quarter century of experience in the upstream energy industry and held a variety of executive leadership, management and technical roles.

Samantha Jarvis is an environmental professional with 25 years’ experience in mining, and onshore and offshore petroleum. She has held lead environmental roles in major petroleum companies where she has worked in a wide variety of offshore and onshore operations within Australia and internationally.

Shane O’Donoghue has a 34-year history with the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (formerly Department of Fisheries), including managing the fisheries in the Northern Bioregion. Shane has a wealth of fisheries management knowledge, experience and understanding of issues faced by the aquatic fishing industry and the oil and gas sector.

Paul Miller has over 40 years’ experience in marine seismic surveying. Paul formed Millodon Consulting in 2019 to meet the stakeholder consultation requirements of the OPGGSA regulations for offshore petroleum exploration activities in Australian Commonwealth waters, with an overarching goal of improving the relationship between the commercial fishing and oil and gas exploration industries.

Tim Duff is a Project Portfolio Manager at NERA where he ensures effective delivery of programs and designated projects identifying opportunities for, and promoting collaboration in, the energy resources sector and promoting project outcomes that are practical, adoptable and can be commercialised.


References

EnerGeo (2022) Introduction to marine seismic technologies for petroleum and natural gas. Available at https://energeoalliance.sharepoint.com/sites/EnerGeoAlliance.org/Shared%20Documents/Public%20Docs/Fact%20Sheets/2022/EnerGeo%20Alliance%20Introduction%20to%20Marine%20Seismic%20Technologies_220906.pdf

NERA (2021a) Commercial Fishing Industry Adjustment Protocol. Available at https://12259-console.memberconnex.com/Attachment?Action=Download&Attachment_id=349

NERA (2021b) Commercial Fishing Industry Operational Protocol. Available at https://12259-console.memberconnex.com/Attachment?Action=Download&Attachment_id=363

NOPSEMA (2022) Consultation in the course of preparing an environment plan. Available at https://www.nopsema.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/Consultation%20in%20the%20course%20of%20preparing%20an%20Environment%20Plan%20guideline.pdf

Santos NA Barossa Pty Ltd v Tipakalippa [2022] FCAFC 193 (appeal decision). Available at https://www.judgments.fedcourt.gov.au/judgments/Judgments/fca/full/2022/2022fcafc0193