WAFIC frustrated over latest MidWest seismic approval
WAFIC is calling for clarity and consistency in the State Government’s approach to marine development approvals over what is sees as conflicts between controversial project approvals and the government’s own environmental policies, following the latest approval of the Eureka 3D seismic survey off the MidWest coast.
WAFIC says both historical experience and independent scientific research point to risks to valuable commercial species. Fishing industry observations following previous seismic surveys in the same region revealed declines and changes in catch patterns, which raises concerns about impacts on fish behaviour, spawning success, and the broader food chain.
WAFIC chief Executive Melissa Haslam said the targeted area is located in relatively shallow waters with high benthic habitat values, which carry an elevated risk of injury from underwater air gun explosions utilised during the surveys.
“Even more concerningly, is the approved acquisition window of February-March overlaps with the critical spawning period for Dhufish, which a valuable demersal species that was recently assessed as being at severe risk,” she said.
Independent research funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) has also shown that valuable species such as the Western Rock Lobster can suffer substantial impacts from seismic activity, with research available to confirm Western Rock Lobster suffer from seismic blasts with examples of the blasts being so strong they make the lobster appear concussed and dazed.
“This is particularly worrying given the lobster fishery is a vital economic pillar for the Mid West region.”
WAFIC and Octopus fishers have also expressed concern about the potential impacts on the Western Rock Octopus, a species endemic to Western Australia with a breeding cycle distinct from other octopus species in Australia.
“While there have been studies on other octopus species, there is no specific research on how seismic sound affects the Western Rock Octopus. WAFIC’s request for further research on this species was dismissed by Pilot Energy as not necessary.”
As Western Australia’s peak industry body representing commercial fishing, WAFIC and its members play a key role in consultation on marine development matters.
Over the past two years, WAFIC has invested significant time and resources in assessing the Eureka 3D seismic proposal, engaging constructively with both Pilot Energy and the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).
Despite multiple formal objections highlighting environmental and commercial risks, the proposal has now been approved.
“We have given the developers every opportunity to demonstrate their ability and commitment to avoid significant impacts upon the marine habitats, marine species and the activities of commercial fishing participants. However, throughout this process we remain more concerned than ever, not only from a technical perspective, but also over the way the consultation process has been conducted and the approvals granted.”
“Based on the information provided, WAFIC cannot see how the marine environment, as well as the livelihoods of commercial fishers will not be substantially impacted. WAFIC has fought this proposal for almost two years and is frustrated with the lack of detail in the decision-making process,” Melissa said.
“When you have a government that is rolling out expansive marine parks and sanctuary zones under the banner of environmental protection, it is difficult to understand how it could approve a seismic project like this that has the potential to do so much damage to those same marine environments,” Melissa said.
“The commercial fishing industry is supportive of many marine developments, and will always seek opportunities for co-existence and collaboration, but we will draw a line when there are scientifically-proven impacts on the marine environment and sea life.”
“There are often solutions to manage co-existence between fishing, marine developments and long-term sustainability, but not always. And unfortunately, this seismic survey under the approved operating model is one of those instances,” Melissa said.