The Regulation of Seismic Exploration in the United States

Researchers at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Halifax, Nova Scotia, are studying the effects of oil and gas seismic on marine life in Atlantic marine areas including the “Gully”: an underwater canyon about 150 nautical miles off Halifax, just east of Sable Island. Researchers so far have found found no significant changes in the general distribution of Gully whales during seismic explorations. These results depend in part on the accuracy and reliability of energy-company propagation models, and the researchers are still evaluating the models. The researchers are also studying seismic effects on crabs. So far, all the studied crabs have survived, with no clear damage to animals, eggs, or larvae. A Canadian government article on the study is available here.