- Offshore regulator NOPSEMA has rejected CGG's proposal to conduct seismic blasting in the Otway Basin.
- The decision was delayed four times amid sustained public and scientific opposition due to risks to endangered southern right whale habitat
- Renewed calls for a national moratorium on seismic blasting in critical marine wildlife habitat
The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has welcomed the decision by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) to reject CGG's proposal to conduct seismic blasting off Victoria's southwest coast.
The proposal would have allowed high-intensity seismic surveys near calving grounds for the endangered southern right whale and within key foraging habitat for the endangered pygmy blue whale.
AMCS said the decision is a major victory for marine life and the communities who have opposed the proposal for years – including Gunditjmara Traditional Owners, citizen scientists and coastal residents.
AMCS Fossil Fuels Campaign Manager, Hannah Tait, said: "Seismic blasting has no place in critical whale habitat.
"This proposal threatened some of the most vulnerable marine species in Australian waters, in an area renowned for its ecological and cultural significance."
AMCS acknowledged the sustained leadership of Gunditjmara people and the tireless advocacy of local community groups who have stood up to protect their sea Country and coastline.
The proposal was delayed four times amid sustained public opposition – a clear signal that there is no social licence for new oil and gas exploration in sensitive marine environments. Community resistance to new fossil fuel development is growing, particularly where it threatens critical wildlife habitat.
"This outcome demonstrates the power of sustained community action. Coastal residents, Traditional Owners, fishers and ocean lovers across the region made it clear that blasting in critical wildlife habitat is unacceptable."
However, AMCS warned that the broader threat remains. Seismic blasting continues to be used across Australian waters as companies search for new fossil fuel reserves.
"At a time when Australia must rapidly transition away from fossil fuels, it is reckless to expose marine life to extreme industrial noise in the pursuit of new oil and gas," Ms Tait said.
Seismic blasting is used by fossil fuel companies to search for new oil and gas deposits. The process involves firing powerful airguns every few seconds, day and night, for weeks or months at a time. The resulting noise can travel hundreds of kilometres underwater.
Peer-reviewed science shows that seismic blasting can deafen whales, disrupt migration and feeding, and cause stress and behavioural changes in marine mammals and other ocean wildlife. In addition to the endangered southern right and pygmy blue whales, the proposed survey area supports dolphins, Australian sea lions and valuable fisheries species such as southern rock lobster.
AMCS renewed its call for a national moratorium on seismic blasting in Australian waters, particularly in or near critical habitats for threatened species.
"Our oceans are already under pressure from climate change, marine heatwaves and industrial activity. Protecting whale nurseries and feeding grounds must be a non-negotiable priority. Today's decision is a significant win - but the job is not yet done."
