OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION: WHAT ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS AND DO THEY JUSTIFY LIMITATIONS ON ACCESS TO COASTAL WATERS?

Abstract

A proposal to undertake exploration in the coastal waters adjacent to Sydney/Newcastle/Wollongong has brought strong protests on environmental grounds. This opposition is committed and the basis for it should be considered in the wider context of offshore exploration around Australia. Of the various activities involved in oil and gas exploration the potential impacts of marine seismic surveys and the likelihood of a blowout- related oil spill are those of greatest concern to the media and public.

A review of the available literature shows the environmental effects of seismic surveys to be of little consequence provided non- explosive energy sources are used. The effects of an oil spill are heavily dependent on site conditions and the type of oil spilled.

The literature shows that direct exposure to spilled oil is fatal to many marine species. However, the potential lethal effects are largely dependent on direct exposure and this declines with the weathering and degradation of the spill. Moreover, the risks of an oil spill occurring as a result of current transportation and handling of oil in coastal waters and points around Australia are much greater than would be presented by drilling an exploratory well.

In considering the role of exploration as an assessment procedure rather than a land use it is possible to draw parallels between the conservation status of Australian coastal waters today and the onshore situation some 20 years ago. The offshore oil and gas exploration industry needs to take several measures if it is to avoid denial of access for exploration. These include clearly identifying the environmental effects of exploration as opposed to production, adopting industry- wide codes for environmental practice, and recording and disseminating the industry's environmental performance.