Offshore Seismic Surveys: Additional Guidance Needed to Help Ensure Timely Reviews
Abstract
Offshore seismic surveys provide federal agencies and other entities with a wide range of data, from research on fault zones to geology that may indicate the presence of oil and gas. Companies seeking to conduct such surveys to find oil and gas resources in the OCS must obtain a permit from BOEMwhich oversees offshore oil and gas activities. Man-made sources of ocean noise, such as seismic surveys, may harm marine mammals. Entities whose activities may cause the taking of marine mammals, which includes harassing or injuring an animal, may obtain incidental take authorizations for seismic surveys from NMFS or FWS, depending on the potentially affected species. GAO was asked to provide information on the seismic permitting process. This report examines (1) BOEMs review process, the number of permit applications reviewed from 2011 through 2016, and its review timeframes; and (2) NMFSs and FWSs review process, the number of incidental take authorization applications reviewed from 2011 through 2016, and their review timeframes, among other objectives. GAO reviewed laws and regulations and agency documents, analyzed data on applications to BOEM, NMFS, and FWS, and interviewed agency officials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 11, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1174436
Entities
People
- Frank W. Rusco
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office