Concurrent 11. Presentation for: A seismic shift in engagement with the fishing industry? A case study of the Prion 3D marine seismic survey in Bass Strait
Linda French A * and Andrew Sullivan B *A Beach Energy Ltd., Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
B Bass Strait Scallop Industry Association Inc., Brighton, Victoria, Australia.
The APPEA Journal 62 - https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ21337
Published: 3 June 2022
Abstract
Presented on Wednesday 18 May: Session 11
The relationship between the oil and gas and commercial fishing industries could be described as strained and at times highly combative. The source of much of the conflict has been conjecture around the impacts of seismic surveys on the marine environment, and of course impacts to commercially targeted species. These relationships exacerbate the challenges for oil and gas proponents in progressing new exploration activities and the relevant environmental approvals. We provide an example of how genuine engagement and collaboration between the two industries, and their broader networks, can lead to a better understanding of the needs of each sector. In turn, this can lead to investment into research to address shortfall in knowledge around impact and technical advances to mitigate potential impacts. Directed research to address key knowledge gaps is a critical component for coexistence of industry in the marine domain. Investment in research that reduces uncertainty for all sectors is critical for future petroleum exploration and exploitation. Researcher studies undertaken during the Prion 3D marine seismic survey include: (1) whether novel seismic survey sources mitigate potential impacts to fisheries; (2) before after control impact (BACI) assessment and biomass studies of scallops; and (3) validation of sound modelling. We examine some of the key decisions taken during the Prion 3D marine seismic survey development process and discuss how these were taken and how things may have otherwise ended without genuine engagement by both parties.
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Keywords: advancing technology to mitigate impacts, assurance and coexistence, beliefs and attitudes, evidence and impacts, industry engagement, intransigence thwarts engagement, marine spatial planning, reducing knowledge gaps and uncertainty, science versus lived experience, seismic survey.
Linda French joined Beach in January 2018 as Community Manager and in October 2021 was appointed Group Manager, Social Performance and Community, where she has responsibility for: community investment, volunteering and workplace giving; community engagement; landholder relations; cultural heritage and indigenous participation. Prior to joining Beach, Ms French spent 8 years as Community Development Manager for Origin Energy’s gas operations in Victoria where she successfully managed land access, stakeholder and community engagement across numerous seismic surveys and offshore drilling projects, and created social value in regional communities surrounding operating assets and projects. |
Andrew Sullivan is the Owner/Director of Fish Focus Consulting and is engaged in a variety of research and representative roles across the fisheries sector. Andrew is the Executive Officer of the Bass Strait Scallop Industry Association as well as the Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Fisheries Association, the peak industry body for Commonwealth managed fisheries. Andrew is a graduate of the Australian Maritime College, completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Fisheries) with Honours in 2000. Andrew has worked in research, management, and extension roles both in Australia and overseas, including senior fisheries management positions in Tasmania and South Australia. |
