Protect Marine Mammals From the 250 Decibels Blasted During Seismic Surveys

If you've seen "The Cove" then you know how sensitive dolphins and whales are to noise. Immediate action is needed to help protect marine mammals who may suffer hearing loss from blasts of high-powered air guns used by oil and gas companies during seismic surveys.

From Louie Psihoyos and the Oceanic Preservation Society:

Our friends at the Center for Biological Diversity have alerted us to an immediate, tangible action that we all can, and should do.

We are looking at seismic surveys in the Gulf of Mexico. This issue is near and dear to us as it involves whales and dolphins. It also addresses sound in marine settings, which is one of the things that our next film will be looking at. Oil and gas companies use seismic surveys to find underwater sources, but the process involves blasts of high-powered air guns, which can exceed 250 decibels. (A vacuum cleaner measures around 80 dB, front row at a rock concert can be 110 dB, a jet at takeoff averages 120-140 dB). Naturally this impacts all ocean life, but of specific concern is the hearing loss in marine mammals. Remember, these magnificent creatures rely on sound for food, mating, and survival.

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