Seismic Surveys Code of Conduct

Introduction

The Code provides effective, practical mitigation measures for minimising acoustic disturbance of marine mammals during seismic surveys.

    Seismic surveys use loud sound to search for features, such as oil and gas, under the sea floor. These sounds have the potential to impact marine mammals in various ways.

    Code of Conduct developed in 2012

    In 2012 DOC developed a voluntary Code of Conduct for Minimising Acoustic Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Survey Operations (the Code) following discussions with international and domestic stakeholders representing industry, observers and marine scientists. 

    The Code and the supporting reference document aim to provide effective, practical mitigation measures for minimising acoustic disturbance of marine mammals during seismic surveys.

    View the 2013 Code of conduct and reference documents.

    The Code has been endorsed as industry best practice by the Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand (PEPANZ).  

    Get an overview of seismic surveying.

    Exclusive Economic Zone regulations

    Under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects – Permitted Activities) Regulations 2013, seismic surveying is a permitted activity within EEZ waters provided the Code is complied with. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is responsible for monitoring seismic surveys within the EEZ to determine compliance with the Code. 

    The Code was updated slightly at this time to facilitate this.

    See the EPA website for more details.

    View the 2013 Code of conduct and reference documents.

    Contact

    For enquiries relating to:

    Overview of the Seismic surveys Code of Conduct

    Seismic survey operations at sea may have adverse impacts on marine mammals. The Code aims to minimise these impacts.

    Code of conduct for minimising acoustic disturbance to marine mammals from seismic survey operations

    The 2013 code has been established by DOC in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders in marine seismic survey operations in New Zealand.

    Areas of Ecological Importance and Marine Mammal Sanctuaries

    In addition to the six gazetted Marine Mammal Sanctuaries DOC has identified a number of Areas of Ecological Importance for marine mammals based on information in the sightings and strandings databases.

    Adopting the Code

    The Code is open for adoption by any stakeholder in the marine seismic survey sector.

    Notification and reporting

    Notify your intention to conduct a seismic survey in New Zealand continental water at least 3 months in advance. This should be followed by the submission of a Marine Mammal Impact Assessment.

    Observer standards and training

    One of the primary objectives of the Code is to contribute to the body of scientific knowledge on the physical and behavioural impacts of seismic surveys on marine mammals through improved, standardised observation and reporting.

    Marine Mammal Impact Assessments

    A list of Marine Mammal Impact Assessments conducted by seismic survey operators as required by the Seismic Code of Conduct.

    Feedback on the Code

    Feedback is strongly encouraged from stakeholders concerning any positive or negative experiences encountered while implementing the Code in operational conditions, and will be used to inform future reviews.

    Summary of key features

    Summary of the key features for the 2013 Code of Conduct for Minimising Acoustic Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Survey Operations

    Frequently asked questions

    Some frequently asked questions about the 2013 Code of Conduct for Minimising Acoustic Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Survey Operations

    Preliminary analysis of marine observer data from New Zealand seismic surveys

    Report of the preliminary investigation of the data collected between 2013-2015 by marine mammal observers and passive acoustic monitoring during seismic surveys in New Zealand. Published 2016.

    Providing flexibility to the Code

    Workshops were held to identify possible mechanisms for incorporating technologies that may not yet exist into the Seismic Surveys Code of Conduct.

    Work of the Technical Working Groups

    Get the reports from the Technical Working Groups established to inform the review of the Seismic Surveys Code of Conduct.

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