Seismic Blasting in Marine Protected Areas

Ecojustice is suing the federal government in order to stop them from allowing an American research vessel from conducting seismic blasting in a Canadian marine protected area.

U.S. researchers have asked Canada to grant a controversial seismic vessel access to the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents, a marine protected area off British Columbia’s coast and a habitat of blue whales, fin whales, and other marine life.  In response, Ecojustice has filed a lawsuit alleging that Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs cannot grant clearance to a foreign vessel that is expected to harass marine mammals in violation of Canadian law.

The American vessel, the R.V. Marcus Langseth, would cause intense acoustic disturbance from a 36 air gun seismic array, which would blast at 180 decibels every 2 or 3 minutes. The seismic blasts would gather information about the structure of the local sub-seafloor and are slated to continue for one month, beginning as early as August 14th. Ecojustice will be in the Federal Court in Ottawa on Friday to argue the case.

The Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents were designated as Canada's first Marine Protected Area in 2003 to protect deep ocean hydrothermal vents and unique species that live there. 

Eventually, the Federal Court decided not to halt the American research vessel poised to begin seismic testing in the Endeavor hydrothermal vents, a marine protected area off the coast of Vancouver Island. However, while the lawsuit proceeded, the government decided to impose stronger environmental conditions on the vessel's operations in this highly sensitive area. Testing has since completed with no signs of harm to marine wildlife.

Clients:
Living Oceans Society
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society