Seismic Blasting and Offshore Drilling

Update: Seismic blasting and offshore drilling have been indefinitely suspended in the Atlantic.

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch would like to thank our partners, members, and supporters in the fight for our coast. The suspension of seismic blasting and offshore drilling is the result of tireless grassroots efforts led by coastal communities of the Atlantic. We applaud the residents, businesses, and political leaders who have continually spoken out. We will remain vigilant in ensuring these moratoriums are upheld and continue to fight until seismic blasting and offshore drilling are permanently banned on the Atlantic Coast.

Thank you to the municipalities in our service area who adopted resolutions against offshore drilling: Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Holly Ridge, Indian Beach, Morehead City, North Topsail Beach, Pinke Knoll Shores, Surf City, and Swansboro.

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Photos courtesy of Hurricane Creekkeeper

Seismic Blasting

What is seismic blasting?

Seismic blasting is the method used to “explore” beneath the ocean floor to locate oil and gas deposits. Large vessels tow an array of airguns blasting highly compressed air into the water and onto the ocean floor. Reverberations are interpreted to determine if energy sources might be present.

Blasts are 100,000x the decibel intensity of a jet engine taking off and can travel for several miles. Blasts may occur every 10 seconds, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week for months on end.

Who will be harmed by seismic blasting?

Marine mammals rely on sound for vital behaviors such as feeding, communication, and navigation. Blasts will disrupt these behaviors affecting populations for years to come. The federal government has determined we can expect harm to marine mammals by the hundred thousand, including the critically endangered Right Whale.

Coastal North Carolinians are dependent on fishing. This industry, along with tourism brings in billions of dollars annually. There is evidence that seismic airgun blasting can reduce catch rates up 50% on average for thousands of square miles.

Plankton levels have been shown to drop by 64% following a seismic blast. Plankton is the basis of the food chain, meaning these effects will magnify onto other forms of wildlife in ways that would be unintended, unpredictable, and ultimately will affect human activities.

These changes to our coastal ecosystems will be reflected in coastal economies, heritages, and our right to a viable future.


Check out our original film series Seismic Truth

Here’s what you can do…

  1. Contact your local, state, and federal legislators asking them to oppose drilling and seismic blasting.
  2. Stay tuned for public comment sessions on upcoming permits and resolutions. Comment in person or submit a written comment.
  3. Use resources on this page to write a Letter to the Editor to media sources.
  4. Vote in every election for candidates who value environmental protection.
  5. Adopt practices in your everyday life to reduce fossil fuel usage. Don’t forget, single-use plastic is made from petroleum.

Resources

Seismic Fact Sheet

Oil Spills & Tourism Don’t Mix

Fishing, Seismic Testing, and Offshore Drilling

Five Truths About Oil & Gas Drilling Off NC Coast