Seismic surveyor seeks NMFS authorization

SAExploration has applied to the National Marine Fisheries Service for a marine mammal incidental harassment authorization in connection with a planned 3-D seismic survey in the nearshore waters of the Colville River Delta.

The delta is on the Beaufort Sea along Alaska’s North Slope.

SAE’s program involves laying nodal recording sensors on the ocean floor and operating seismic source vessels towing airgun arrays. The total survey area is 384 square miles.

The company needs the incidental harassment authorization because the work has the potential to disturb the area’s whales and seals.

SAE plans to conduct its seismic survey in the open water season between July 1 and Oct. 15. A company manager has said the survey will be a nonexclusive program for multiple oil and gas leaseholders in the area.

NMFS is taking public comment on the marine mammal application until July 25.

—Wesley Loy