Australia is expanding the use of seismic airguns to explore and monitor offshore resources, but scientists warn the intense underwater blasts could profoundly affect marine creatures, from microscopic plankton to shellfish and whales.
- Seismic blasts can reach 230-250 decibels, disrupting marine species.
- Recent studies reveal serious harm to shellfish and lobsters from repeated exposure.
- Australia’s energy plans include seismic surveys for carbon capture monitoring.
What happened
Twenty years ago, during a seismic survey off Western Australia, marine bioacoustics expert Robert McCauley observed stunning bioluminescent flashes triggered by every airgun blast. These bright waves illuminated the ocean but also revealed how the powerful sound pulses stimulated tiny organisms beneath the waves. Such surveys, routinely used to map the seafloor for oil and gas exploration, fire intense bursts of compressed air that reverberate through the water and can be detected thousands of kilometers away.
As seismic surveys expand beyond exploration and now support carbon storage monitoring, their use is intensifying. This includes plans by Australian energy companies to inject carbon dioxide underground to meet net-zero goals. While whales have traditionally been the focus of impact studies, growing evidence from fisheries shows that repeated blasts can also cause mass die-offs and physiological stress in shellfish populations.
Why it feels good
Appreciating the ocean’s unseen responses to seismic pulses sparks a deeper awareness of the interconnectedness of marine life and human activity. Observations like McCauley’s bioluminescent waves provide a captivating glimpse into how fragile and dynamic ocean ecosystems are, highlighting the ocean’s capacity to visually express the impact of human technology in an almost magical way.
The expanding use of seismic surveys also symbolizes a shift in how science and industry collaborate for cleaner energy futures. By applying this technology to track carbon storage efforts, Australia is actively exploring pathways to reduce emissions, which is hopeful for the planet’s overall well-being despite the challenges posed to marine wildlife.
What to enjoy or watch next
Scientists and environmentalists are calling for more comprehensive studies on how repeated seismic noise affects entire marine ecosystems over time. This research is critical for balancing industrial development with ocean conservation, particularly given the complex roles played by smaller species such as plankton and shellfish, which form the base of the marine food web.
Future regulatory decisions in Australia and beyond could set important precedents for responsible seismic survey practices worldwide. Watching how these policies evolve will be key, as will following novel approaches to reducing acoustic pollution while supporting sustainable energy development.