The CarbonNet Project – a case study of the use of marine assessments and advisory panels for stakeholder assurance

Abstract

The CarbonNet project is investigating the feasibility of commercial-scale carbon capture and storage in Victoria. CarbonNet has identified a prospective storage site called Pelican, in the offshore Gippsland Basin in Bass Strait. CarbonNet undertook a 3D marine seismic survey (MSS) in 2018 as part of the appraisal program for Pelican. Environmental impacts and risks associated with the MSS were assessed in an Environment Plan accepted by Commonwealth and Victorian regulators. Underwater sound and its impact on the marine environment was a key issue raised by stakeholders. In response, CarbonNet put several initiatives in place to address concerns, including: undertaking marine habitat assessments before and after the MSS; and establishing an independent advisory panel to provide advice on the marine habitat assessments. The objectives of the habitat assessments were to confirm the abundance of key marine species before and after the MSS, and to determine whether any differences could be attributed to the MSS. To ensure that the habitat assessments were undertaken in a scientifically robust manner, an advisory panel was established consisting of representatives from regulatory agencies, academia and the fishing industry. This paper provides an overview of how CarbonNet used marine assessments and an advisory panel for stakeholder assurance.