Help Protect Australia’s Oceans

Protect endangered whales: Demand a seismic blasting moratorium

Australia’s oceans host an array of dazzling marine life, including southern right whales, pygmy blue whales, and little penguins. They need protection from more seismic blasting.

But Australia’s oceans are threatened by seismic blasting.
Seismic blasting—a process involving loud, powerful airgun blasts fired every few seconds, 24 hours a day, sometimes for months—threatens our unique marine ecosystems.

This relentless practice can disrupt essential activities like feeding and mating, cause hearing loss in whales, and wipe out krill, a vital part of the marine food web.

“Reckless seismic blasting that expands fossil fuels in our ocean is not a price Australians are willing to pay. Until the government acts on the Senate’s recommendations, seismic blasting of our ocean must stop,” says Louise Morris, Offshore Oil & Gas Campaign Manager.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, it’s time to take a stand.

We are calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to declare an immediate moratorium (temporary ban) on seismic blasting in Australian waters.

We demand an urgent moratorium on seismic blasting in Australia’s oceans until:

• Comprehensive research is conducted on the impacts of seismic blasting in Australian marine ecosystems, especially on endangered species like the southern right whale.
• Seismic data laws are reformed to prevent unnecessary repeated blasting by making previous seismic survey data accessible.
• Seismic blasting is banned in areas already mapped to limit repeated harm to our marine life and ecosystems.

These recommendations are based on the independent Senate inquiry in 2021, Making Waves: The Impact of Seismic Testing on Fisheries and the Marine Environment.

Prime Minister, Australia’s marine life can’t wait any longer.

This is your opportunity to protect our oceans and safeguard marine ecosystems.

Seismic blasting to expand the fossil fuel industry at the cost of deafening whales and destroying the marine food web isn’t a price Australians are willing to pay.

Sign our petition and send an email to Prime Minister Albanese today.