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| Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Procedures for the Protection of Marine Mammals |
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The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory takes the responsibility of protecting marine mammals very seriously. For fifteen years, The Research Vessel EWING was owned by the National Science Foundation and operated by the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) for use by academic researchers from universities around the world. It is outfitted to conduct acoustic research among other kinds of earth and environmental science. Ewing will soon be replaced by R/V Marcus G. Langseth, with enhanced seismic and other science capabilities In the course of conducting acoustic research, the Langseth will operate an array of sound sources generated by compressed air (air guns) to map the structure of the Earth's crust on and below the sea floor. The maps generated allow a better understanding of how the planet functions from natural hazards to climate. Although there is little scientific data regarding the impacts of seismic research on sea life, Lamont scientists are working with experts in marine mammal behaviour to learn more information. Standard operating procedure requires that research ships obtain permission to operate in national waters of any country, and US law requires compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act. A detailed environmental assessment statement is produced to determine that no significant danger will occur to the marine population. These US and foreign permits/permissions are sought over several months, simultaneously. Since 2002, Lamont has applied for and has successfully received fourteen permits to operate seismic sources of different kinds. Prior to each expedition, knowledge of mammal activities known to the area is established so that research can be scheduled to avoid significant seasonal events, e.g. migration and calving. The ship in question observes an established safety zone for mammals appropriate to the type of seismic activity to be conducted, and in the event of a sighting, specific procedures are outlined to ramp down research so that mammals can safely move through the area. Local stranding networks may be organized to check the beaches daily to be certain that no stranding occurs. While this is considered an extremely unlikely event, LDEO wants to ensure that everything possible be done to prevent harm to marine mammals.
Pre-Cruise Procedures • the LDEO Marine Science Coordinator obtains detailed schedules of proposed research activities and routes, and specifications of the equipment to be deployed • knowledge of mammal activities known to the area is established and research is scheduled to avoid significant seasonal events such as migration, breeding, and calving • trained marine mammal observers are appointed and bridge watch personnel are trained in sighting and identifying mammals Cruise Procedures • the vessel observes an established safety zone for marine mammals appropriate to the type of acoustic activity to be conducted • the marine mammal observer ensures that no mammals are within the zone for at least one half hour prior to acoustic operations • the sound source is initially activated at the lowest possible source levels and increased at a prescribed rate (not to exceed 6 dB per 5 minutes) to allow marine mammals in the vicinity to detect, track, and avoid the sound • all marine mammal sightings are reported to the Mate on Watch; details regarding the sighting (e.g. species, time, activities, number of individuals, location with reference to the vessel) are reported on the official sighting form and database • when a designated mammal (or mammals) is observed to be within or about to enter the safety zone, the sound sources are to be deactivated immediately; once the mammals are clear of the zone the sound sources can be activated at the lowest source levels and slowly increased to prescribed rates |
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Last Updated: March 19, 2003 © 2003 Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. All Rights Reserved. |