Marine seismic survey in the Bass Strait Canyons by Bass Strait Oil Company Limited

The Bass Strait Oil Company Limited (“BSOC”), is proposing to conduct a marine seismic survey (MSS) program located in the Gippsland Basin which is expected to be undertaken between either 1 March 2013 and 17 May 2013 OR 1 December 2013 to 30 April 2014, for a period of approximately 10-12 days (dependent on weather and seismic vessel availability).  This activity is being undertaken in accordance with the requirements of a work program approved by the Department of Resources, Energy & Tourism (DRET) as part of the awarding of the Vic/P41 and Vic/P66 Petroleum Exploration Permits.  

BSOC, as operator of these permits, proposes to acquire seismic data within the nominated area shown in Figure 1 below (refer Table 1 for coordinates).  The proposed seismic program, known as the ‘Stanton 3D Survey’, covers an area of 128km² in the Commonwealth waters of the Gippsland Basin.  The northern margin of the survey area is located approximately 52km south of Point Hicks (Vic) and the survey area covers water depths between 350-750m (approx.).

Figure 1 – Proposed Survey Area for Stanton 3D Seismic Survey  

Table 1 – Stanton 3D Seismic Survey Area Coordinates (WGS84)

Point	Latitude	Longitude
1	38o16’08.97”S	149o13’25.97”E
2	38o20’53.39”S	149o13’21.81”E
3	38o20’54.76”S	149o23’15.67”E
4	38o16’06.83”S	149o23’18.28”E

A marine seismic consists of an acoustic source towed behind the vessel within a few metres of the surface that acoustically pulses at a controlled frequency range at set time intervals.  The signals reflected back from sub-surface geological structures are recorded by hydrophones located in a “streamer” towed behind the vessel.  The purpose of the survey is to determine the subsurface geology of the area.  The method employed will be 3 Dimensional, with the vessel towing up to 12 (twelve) x 6km long streamers at a depth of approximately 7 m (refer to Figure 2 for typical MSS Vessel Layout).  The survey vessel will traverse the nominated survey area along defined transects referred to as seismic lines.  The vessel will also operate at a distance of up to 10km from the survey boundary to allow for vessel lead-in/lead-out and turning. A scout vessel will be present to assist with minimizing any potential impacts on other marine users and assist with deployment of streamers.

Figure 2: Layout of a Typical 3D MSS Vessel

 

The survey will be carried out adhering to all government requirements, in particular:

·          In accordance with EPBC Referral ‘manner specified’ conditions (& associated EPBC Policy 2.1 Guidelines http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/seismic.html) issued under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999;

·          With an Environmental Plan (EP) submitted, under the requirements of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009, to the National Offshore Petroleum Safety & Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) for acceptance prior to the commencement of any activities.  Note that all activities will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of this EP; and

·          With the vessel operator following the relevant maritime operational, safety and environmental legislation, guidelines and procedures.

Please note that during survey activities, fishing can continue within the area, however the activities will need to be coordinated directly with the seismic vessel. 

In undertaking this activity, The Bass Strait Oil Company Limited (“BSOC”), seek to minimize as far as practicable any potential impact on relevant marine stakeholders and the environment. They understand from AFMA that ‘active’ commercial fishing activity in the area is associated with the Commonwealth Trawl Sector (Danish Seine and Otter-board Trawl) and Gillnet Hook and Trap Sectors. The Bass Strait Oil Company Limited (“BSOC”), would like to know whether there is also any recreational fishing activity undertaken in the survey area during these planned times.

In undertaking this activity they would like to understand any issues recreational fishers may have with this survey; identify members who might be affected by the survey and request details of other relevant stakeholders for further consultation. This will assist them in identifying possible impacts and, where practicable, develop actions which can minimize impacts.

This information is provided to promote awareness of the proposed activities; further identify all relevant persons; encourage on-going consultation and reduce any risks to as low as reasonably practicable. It should be noted that responses provided to BSOC associated with this request is required under legislation, to be provided to NOPSEMA as part of the Environment Plan submission for this petroleum activity.

If there are any recreational fishers that envisage that they will be fishing in this area during the planned marine seismic survey times, or if there are any recreational fishers that see some sort of issue with this planned marine seismic survey procedure and possible effects on targeted species in the area, please contact Bass Strait Oil Company Limited direct or wefish on we_fish@hotmail.com, if you require assistance in anyway.

Thank you

We fish team