International Protected Species Observer Data Analysis

Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and Protected Species Observers (PSOs) are interchangeable terms for personnel who perform marine wildlife monitoring and advise on the implementation of mitigation methods for minimising the disturbance of marine mammals during a variety of marine operations that produce high sound levels, chiefly, marine geophysical surveys. On completion of a field programme, MMO/PSO data are typically either submitted to a regulatory agency or are archived internally by the individual company that commissioned the survey, either at a project, region or global level. These data offer a source of important information regarding the presence and broad scale response patterns of marine mammal species to offshore activities, as well as high-level species information such as habitat use, migratory patterns, and population levels.

Data from 420 seismic surveys conducted between 2005 and 2017 from three key areas for E&P activities, the US Gulf of Mexico, West Africa and Australia, were analysed to explore the potential effects of underwater sound from marine geophysical surveys upon marine species and compared with the findings of previous studies undertaken using similar datasets from the UK and US Gulf of Mexico. In both the Gulf of Mexico and West Africa where the largest dataset existed, all species groups were found to occur at greater distances from the seismic source during times of full power source operation when compared to silence. Australia MMO/PSO datasets did not include closest approach to the source so this analysis could not be undertaken in that region. There were statistically significant differences between in cetacean behaviours observed during seismic operation compared to non-operation periods. Bow riding, diving and logging were more prevalent when the seismic source was silent whereas blowing, breaching and surfacing were found to be more prevalent during full power activity. When examining the combined dataset for source ramp-up operation mode, no species group presented any significant difference in recorded behaviour as compared to any other source operating level.

Objectives and methods

• Evaluate existing available MMO/PSO data (including PAM data) to identify potential distribution and movements of marine mammal species relative to offshore activities with consideration given to other variables and possible life history/ecological inferences for selected geographies where reliable quality data exist
• Collate MMO/ PSO data from three main regions (Gulf of Mexico, West Africa and Australia) into a single, standardized dataset that will be analysed in order to determine the potential effects of underwater sound from marine geophysical surveys has on cetaceans.
• Recommend improvements in data gathering, alternative data gathering, and complementary data gathering technologies to ensure better data quality, reliability and consistency may strengthen the value of MMO/PSO data to industry and the broader scientific community.

Importance

This study represents the longest term and most widespread geographical analysis of MMO/PSO data. For the many areas where marine mammal distribution data is sparse, data collected by MMOs/ PSOs represents a valuable resource that can inform the Environmental Impact Assessment phases of project life cycles and help to inform operators what mitigation measures may be prudent in areas that may have significance to a variety of marine species. As PSOs will continue to be a requirement to undertaking seismic survey activities in many areas of the world, the data collected can continue to provide an important resource for understanding how seismic activity impacts marine life. In addition, these data can be used to inform regulatory decision making with respect to development and adaptation of appropriate monitoring and mitigation regulations globally. The collection and standardization of this data into one database is the first step in reaching a better understanding of the contributions that MMO/ PSO data can make to ongoing research and regulatory decision making.

Links to other research

N/a

Institutions/PIs

• RPS Group (Stephanie Milne)