Seismic Blasting Off NC Coast

I have tremendous concerns over the possibility of seismic testing or seismic airgun blasting being done off the North Carolina coast. Seismic airgun blasting is done in search of oil/gas. I do not see anything positive coming about from this process.

North Carolina has one of the most unique and diverse marine eco-systems found anywhere. Our waters are either home to or visited by an array of mammals such as dolphins and whales and highly migratory species such as sharks and tunas.

“Seismic blasting” is a controversial technique using air guns to explore and map offshore oil and gas reserves deep beneath the ocean floor. They are towed behind ships, shooting loud blasts of compressed air deep into the seabed. These blasts can be repeated every 10 seconds for days to weeks at a time.” H/T Raleigh News and Observer.

These blasts have the potential to possibly change migration patterns, harm, and even kill fish and mammals.

North Carolina’s number one industry is tourism. The coast is the number one vacation and relocation destination. Fishing is forever blended into the North Carolina coastal life and livelihood. 

Commercial fishing has always been part and parcel of our coast. Recreational fishing is now part of that heritage too. With fishing came other industries such as a multi-billion dollar coastal real estate business, major universities and science, boat building, motion picture and entertainment, food and hospitality industry, the US military and so much more.

But the cornerstone and foundation of the waters off North Carolina has always been commercial fishing.

Please keep in mind the significance of the Atlantic Ocean and what it means to the state and the country. Anything that could jeopardize what has been built over the centuries must be closely examined and weighed.

We must ask simple questions. What is the impact or potential impact of seismic airgun blasting? What are the environmental effects? What impact or potential impact can these blasts have on specific species? What is the range of impact? Will fish and mammals be affected 50 miles away? 500 miles away? 5,000 miles away?

What peer reviewed research is available for us to make a determination? Is it adequate or does more research on seismic testing need to be done? As mentioned earlier, coastal North Carolina is unique, will we suffer unique effects from the testing?

The big question is this. What would be the over-all impact to North Carolina by birthing a new oil and gas industry? Barring the extreme of some oil leak into the ocean, what impact would a thriving oil and gas industry have on North Carolina’s native industries? How will it affect coastal tourism? Commercial and recreational fishing? Real estate sales, property values and tax base? In short, will seismic testing and the oil and gas industry supplant, replace or damage our native and historical industries?

North Carolina, what do you want to be? The traditional home of fishing, boating and serene coastal living? Or do you want to industrialize and become more akin to our northern cities and ports? Oil and gas will take priority, the environment will change to suit it. As it stands now the pristine coastal environment is our industry. Do you want to change that?

These are a few of my concerns. What are yours? Please post below. Also post any peer reviewed research/data you may be aware of. I know it’s often hard to separate fact from fiction, but I’m not interested in reading propaganda from either a pro or con advocacy group.

Bill Hitchcock