President Obama denies all permits for dangerous testing in the Atlantic

The government estimates over 138,000 marine mammals, including dolphins and whales, would be injured and disturbed if seismic airgun blasting in the Atlantic were to take place.

338
SOURCENationofChange

The Obama administration has just denied all permits for seismic airgun blasting in the Atlantic Ocean. This move comes weeks after another environmental success by the Obama administration occurred, permanently protecting millions of acres of underwater canyons along the Atlantic coast from oil and gas leasing.

“We know that seismic airgun blasting is dangerous,” Oceana campaign director Claire Douglass said in a statement. “Today, we thank the Obama administration for finishing the job in protecting the Atlantic Ocean from offshore drilling activities.”

Seismic testing, also called seismic airgun blasting, blasts the seafloor with airguns to search for oil and gas deposits. This process disturbs marine mammals, causing damage and hearing loss in feeding and breeding habitats.

The government estimates over 138,000 marine mammals, including dolphins and whales, would be injured and disturbed if seismic airgun blasting in the Atlantic were to take place.

FALL FUNDRAISER

If you liked this article, please donate $5 to keep NationofChange online through November.

COMMENTS