Tag Archives: Tasmania’s scallop industry

Do we need an inquiry into how seismic testing impacts sea life?

John Hammond is a pioneer of Tasmania’s scallop industry, with more than 50 years’ experience.  He has had concerns about marine seismic testing by oil and gas companies for about 10 years — since helping a seismic survey team in Bass Strait. Seismic testing involves firing soundwaves into the ocean floor to detect the presence of oil or gas reserves. Hundreds of sonic blasts measure the geology of the seabed in the hopes of finding oil or gas deposits. But the oil and gas industry said the practice is low risk, thoroughly regulated and involves extensive environmental checks and consultation with locals. >click to read<19:32