SA Water has come under fire for its involvement in a tragic incident that led to the deaths of marine animals near a seismic testing site in South Australia. Seismic surveys, which involve the use of air guns to generate high-frequency sound signals to map the seafloor, have been linked to potential harm to marine life due to the loud noises produced during the testing process. These surveys, including one that took place off Billy Lights Point in Port Lincoln, have faced scrutiny for their possible role in disrupting the behavior of animals in the surrounding marine environment.
The controversy unfolded when a pygmy right whale was found stranded and subsequently died on a beach near the testing location, sparking concerns about the impact of the seismic surveys on marine animals. Former senator Rex Patrick, known for his expertise in acoustic technology, raised questions about the survey's intensity, pointing out that the sound frequencies used reached levels as high as 220 decibels, comparable to those utilized by the navy to detect submarines. The discovery of two dolphins stranded and deceased on the same day as the pygmy whale only added to the growing scrutiny of SA Water's practices in conducting these surveys.
In response to the allegations, Greens MLC Tammy Franks has taken action by reporting SA Water to the federal government for a potential violation of environmental protection laws. Franks emphasized the importance of safeguarding marine life from the potential impacts of the seismic surveys, citing scientific evidence suggesting that these tests could affect mammals within an eight-kilometer radius of the survey area. While SA Water has defended its protocols and control measures to minimize harm to marine life during the surveys, questions remain about the adequacy of these measures in light of the tragic deaths of marine animals in close proximity to the testing site.
Former senator Patrick has underscored the known risks associated with high-frequency sound signals from seismic surveys, suggesting a possible link between the survey activities and the deaths of marine mammals. He warned that such loud signals could prompt marine animals to beach themselves as a response to the disruptive noise levels, raising concerns about the broader implications of these testing methods on the local marine ecosystem. Amidst the ongoing investigation and debates surrounding the environmental impact of seismic surveys, the incident involving the deaths of the pygmy whale and dolphins near the Port Lincoln testing site has brought heightened scrutiny to SA Water's practices and responsibilities in safeguarding marine biodiversity.