Don’t let the Federal Government make a whale of a mistake!

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has published a new analysis of the effects on marine mammals from seismic testing, drilling, and other noise generated by offshore oil development in the Arctic. The analysis is supposed to guide decisions that protect marine mammals from being harmed by these activities. Unfortunately, it falls short.

While NMFS recognizes that arctic marine mammals – including Bowhead whales and ringed seals -depend on sound to feed, mate, avoid danger, and stick together, the analysis was built on a remarkably inadequate scientific understanding of the harmful effects of industrial noise on these creatures. Even more troubling is the government’s unwillingness to actually consider doing anything meaningful to eliminate or minimize the cumulative effects of noise generated by multiple seismic testing, drilling, and development activities proposed by the oil industry on Arctic wildlife.

Make some noise of your own. Tell the Administration to fulfill its responsibility to protect marine wildlife in the Arctic. Tell NMFS to go back to the drawing board to conduct the research and analysis necessary to understand and protect whales and seals from the cumulative effects of industrial noise before the oil companies are allowed to proceed.

You can also help by staying informed and educating others about the issue. Sign up to receive updates on ocean noise issues at http://www.ocr.org/contact/newsletter, join us on Facebook, and sharing this site with friends.