ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATION REPORT SHELL CANADA LIMITED SHELBURNE BASIN 3D SEISMIC SURVEY

Transcription

1 ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATION REPORT SHELL CANADA LIMITED SHELBURNE BASIN 3D SEISMIC SURVEY 18 th May 31 st August 2013

2 Table of Contents 1 Introduction Project Details Sea State and Visibility Mitigative and Monitoring Requirements Safety Zone Pre-ramp up Search and Ramp up (soft start) Shutdowns Passive Acoustic Monitoring Marine Mammal Observer Program MMO Staffing and Responsibilities Marine Mammal Observation Methods Marine Mammal Observations Overview of Observations Cetacean: Delphinidae Cetaceans: Excluding Delphinidae Turtles Passive Acoustic Monitoring Observations Mitigating Action Ramp Up Delays and Shutdowns Observations Reportable to MARS Bird Sightings Bird Observations Stranded and Dead Birds Species at Risk Fishing Activity References i

3 List of Figures Figure 1. Location of the Project Details... 1 Figure 2. 3D WAZ Configuration (Sourced from LGL 2012)... 2 Figure 3. Northeast Section of Survey Area... 3 Figure 4. Sea Conditions... 4 Figure 5. Procedural Flowchart for Pre-ramp up Search and Ramp Up... 6 Figure 6. Procedural Flowchart for Unplanned Stop or Break... 7 Figure 7. Sightings of All Marine Animals Figure 8. Sightings of All Delphinidae Species Figure 9. Delphinidae Sighted During the Survey- May June Figure 10. Delphinidae Sighted During the Survey- July Figure 11. Delphinidae Sighted During the Survey- August Figure 12. All Cetaceans (excl. Delphinidae) Sighted (by Species) Figure 13. Cetaceans (excl. Delphinidae) Sighted During the Survey- May June Figure 14. Cetaceans (excl. Delphinidae) Sighted During the Survey- July Figure 15. Cetaceans (excl. Delphinidae) Sighted During the Survey- August Figure 16. Sea Turtle Sightings Figure 17. Acoustic Detections of Delphinidae Figure 18. Acoustic Detections of Cetaceans (excluding Delphinidae) Figure 19. Location of Delays and Shutdowns Figure 20. Bird Sightings Recorded During the Survey Figure 21. Bird Sightings Recorded During May-June Figure 22. Bird Sightings Recorded in July Figure 23. Bird Sightings Recorded in August Figure 24. SARA Species Sightings ii

4 List of Tables Table 1. Seismic Source Array Specifications... 3 Table 2. Number of Marine Mammal Observers (including PAM Operator) by Vessel Table 3. Overall Visual Sightings of all Species Table 4. Visual Sightings of Delphinidae by Vessel Table 5. Visual Sightings of Delphinidae by Month Table 6. Visual Sightings of Cetaceans (excluding Delpinidae) by Vessel Table 7. Visual Sightings of Cetaceans (excluding Delpinidae) by Month Table 8. Sightings of Sea Turtles Table 9. Summary of All Acoustic Detection Table 10. Summary of Delayed Ramp Up Table 11. Summary of Shutdowns during Ramp Up Table 12. Summary of Full Power Shutdowns during Seismic Operations Table 13. Bird Species Sighted Table 14. Bird Species Sighted by Month Table 15. List of SARA Species Encountered Table 16. FLO contacts iii

5 1 INTRODUCTION Shell Canada Limited (Shell) conducted a three dimensional (3D) wide azimuth (WAZ) seismic survey in association with the exploration periods of Shell s offshore Exploration Licences (ELs 2423, 2424, 2425, 2426, 2429, and 2430) in the summer of The Shelburne Basin 3D Seismic Survey (the Project) took place from 18 th May too 31 st August with mobilization activities, including transiting to the seismic area, occurring from 18 th May to 2 nd June and seismic acquisition activities occurring from 3 rd June to 31 st August. The Project was conducted approximately 300 km south-southwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia within the Scotian Slope in a geological area known as the Shelburne Subbasin. The purpose of this report is to summarize the environmental observations made from the vessels during the Project. The spatial boundaries of importance for the Project aree shown in Figure 1. The 2013 Seismic Survey Area is the area within which geophysical data was acquired with the sail lines illustrating the actual spatial coverage of the 2013 survey. The larger Project outline illustrated with a dashed line around the survey area was the additional space within which operational activities, not inclusive of seismic acquisition, was anticipated to occur. Figure 1. Location of the Project Details Shelburne Basin 3D Seismic Survey 1

6 1.1 PROJECT DETAILS Based on the identified geological complexity of the survey area, the Project was conducted utilizing a wide azimuth (WAZ) configuration. This seismic acquisition method involves the use of multiple seismic vessels sailing as a fleet and allows for the collection of higher quality of seismic data than that collected utilizing a one vessel narrow azimuth (NAZ) survey configuration. The specific WAZ configuration chosen to support the Project utilized four seismic vessels, all towing airgun arrays with the two outside vessels also towing streamers (Figure 2). Each of the streamer vessels was equipped with 12 streamers (8 km in length) separated by 100m. Though each vessel is equipped with a seismic source, these sources are activated sequentially (one at a time) across the vessels as opposed to simultaneously. Figure 2. 3D WAZ Configuration (Sourced from LGL 2012) The two outside streamer vessels were the Western Geco (WG) Magellan and WG Cook and the two inside source vessels were the Geco Tau and Ocean Odyssey. A third source vessel (Western Pride) was brought on to the Project in July to allow for crew changes to occur in port, while still allowing for operations to continue (i.e. one source vessel would return to port while two others remained online for operations). 2

7 The energy source on each of the vesselss was a single 5085 cubic-inch single source array comprised of three individual sub-arrays towed at a depth of 8 m with a nominal air pressure of 2000 psi (Table 1). Table 1. Seismic Source Array Specifications Source Specification Value Type Single Source Array Firing Mode Single Shot Point Interval 37.5 by four vessels WAz Source Separation 1200 m Depth 8 +/- 0.5m Volume (per source) 5085 in 3 per vessel Pressure (nominal) 2000 psi Primary Peak-to-Peak 128 bar-m Peak-to-Bubblee Ratio 17:7 Turns in association with the Project were anticipated to take between 5 to 7 hours, but those associated with the northeast end of the activity area were ±10 hours. The reason for these extendedd turns was the close proximity of the northeast boundary of the activity area and the Project area (Figure 3), which restricted the movement of the seismic streamer vessels. Line changes were extended beyond the nominal hours to avoid infringing on the Project Area boundary. Figure 3. Northeast Section off Survey Area The 2013 survey was completed on 31 st totalling 8382 km of coverage. August 2013 and resulted in 68 prime sail lines, Shelburne Basin 3D Seismic Survey 3

8 1.2 SEA STATE AND VISIBILITY The sea conditions during the survey were slight to moderate for nearly 80% of the survey (Figure 4). Foggy conditions were not uncommon during the survey period and, while such conditions do not typically prevent seismic operations, it did hamper marine mammal observation which then relied on Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM). The greatest risk in terms of ocean conditions during the Project arose on June 8 th when the remnants of tropical storm Andrea tracked over the survey area. Operations were halted as the fleet prepared to ride out the storm Rippled Calm 2. Smooth 3. Slight 4. Moderate 5. Rough 6. Very Rough 7. High Figure 4. Sea Conditions 4

9 2 MITIGATIVE AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS An environmental assessment (EA) was completed in support of the Geophysical Work Authorization (GWA) sought from the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board for the Project and to satisfy requirements under 142(1) (b) of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act. In association with the EA, Shell committed to the implementation of mitigation and monitoring measures to reduce any potential environmental effects of the Project. As part of the Project mitigations, Shell committed to standards outlined in the Statement of Canadian Practice with Respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment (the Statement), which specifies the minimum standards and measures that must be followed while planning and conducting marine seismic surveys. These requirements apply in all non-ice covered marine waters in Canada, including the Project Area. Where determined to be appropriate, additional mitigation measures were included and implemented as part of the Project in order to further reduce any potential environmental effects. The key mitigation measures and monitoring commitments implemented during the Project are summarized in the subsections below. 2.1 SAFETY ZONE The Safety Zone is a circular area of given radius, measured from the centre of the air source array. The established safety zone is monitored by the Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) during seismic surveying activities (pre-ramp up search, ramp up, seismic acquisition, and source array testing) and appropriate mitigation measures are applied, as necessary, when marine mammals or sea turtles are observed/ detected within the established zone. For the Project, two safety zones were established and monitored for each vessel (i.e. source array). A 1000 m safety zone was established, based on conservative estimates of the range within which the source sound levels would be greater than 180 db, for all Schedule 1 SARA species, all baleen whale species, and sea turtle species. Schedule 1 SARA species for which this safety zone applied included: Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) Northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Sowerby s beaked whale (Mesoplodon bidens) Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) In addition to the 1000m safety zone, a 500 m safety zone was established for all other marine mammals. The safety zone(s) were visually monitored by MMO during daytime and good visibility conditions. PAM was utilized to monitor the safety zones during periods of poor visibility (fog, night, inclement weather) when the safety zone could not be visually monitored. The safety zone monitored by the PAM system was determined in the field to ensure that it extended beyond 1000 m to compensate for the system s range accuracy. 5

10 2.2 PRE-RAMP UP SEARCH AND RAMP UP (SOFT START) A Pre-ramp up search was conducted before the commencement of any source array operations following any period of silencee (unplannedd break, line change, marine mammal detection) of 20 minutes or more. During daylight hours, both PAM and visual monitoring were conducted during the pre-watch search, to ensure that no marine mammals or sea turtles entered the respective safety zone prior to the initiation of ramp up (Figure 5). Ramp up, or soft start, is the gradual increase of sound levels from a seismic source array by systematically turning on individual air sources within thee source array over a period of time until full power is reached (DFO, 2007). This procedure is used when commencing airgun operations, to give marine species in proximity to the operations the opportunity to move away prior to the commencement of seismic operations. Monitoring of the safety zones continued during the gradual ramp up procedure to ensure that noo marine mammals or sea turtles entered into the safety zones prior to operations commencing at full power (Figure 5). If a Schedule 1 SARA species, baleen whale, or sea turtle came within 1000 m of the source during the pre-rampp up search or the gradual ramp up procedure, the ramp up would be delayed or would cease. For alll other marine mammals, this delay and cessation distance was within 500 m of the source. Shelburne Basin 3D Seismic Survey Figure 5. Procedural Flowchart for Pre-ramp up Search and Ramp Up 6

11 Additionally, if there was an unplanned stop or break inn operations during acquisition activities resulting in a period of silence lasting longer than 200 minutes, the pre-watch and ramp up procedure would be conducted. If the stop or break in acquisition activities lasted less than 20 minutes and the MMOs had conducted a visual scan to ensure no marine mammals or sea turtles had entered the safety zone, operations could continue without a pre-search and ramp up. If at any point a marine mammal or sea turtle were observed to entered the associated safety zone during a unplanned break or stop period, independent of the length of the time that the source array was silent, a pre-search and ramp up procedure was conducted (Figure 6) ). Figure 6. Procedural Flowchart for Unplanned Stop or Break 2.3 SHUTDOWNS Shutdowns are the immediate cessation of all air sources in an individual array. Shutdowns of the individual arrays were conducted whenever a Schedule 1 marine mammal, baleen whale, or sea turtle was visually observed or acoustically detected within the 1000 m safety zone of the respective arrays. Additionally, following early observations of sperm whales, a shutdown measure was established for when they weree observed or detectedd within the 500 m safety zone of the respective arrays during operations. Shelburne Basin 3D Seismic Survey 7

12 As a precautionary measure, when a Schedule 1 marine mammal, baleen whale, sperm whale or sea turtle was observed to be on a course that would result in it entering the associated shutdown safety zone, a precautionary shutdown of the respective airgun array was implemented. The seismic crew maintained constant communication with both the visual MMOs and the PAM operators with regards to seismic activities. This communication ensured that required mitigation measures, (e.g. shutdowns) were conducted in a timely manner. 2.4 PASSIVE ACOUSTIC MONITORING PAM systems were installed on all five seismic vessels to detect marine mammals during periods of poor visibility (e.g., darkness, fog) and during the pre-ramp up watch. MMOs were tasked with monitoring the PAM systems during periods of poor visibility and ramp up and identifying the appropriate mitigation in the event that a marine mammal was acoustically detected. 8

13 3 MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER PROGRAM MMOs were responsible for implementing all the associated mitigation measures and maintaining visual watch during all daylight hours. In addition to visual monitoring, PAM was utilized during night time operations as well as other periods of reduced visibility, and during the 30 minute pre-watch and ramp up. The marine mammal observer program provided: the basis for real-time mitigation; data on the occurrence, distribution, and activities of marine mammals in the areas where the survey program was conducted; information to compare the sighting rates, distances, distributions, behaviour, and movements of marine mammals relative to the survey vessels at times with and without air source activity; management of collision risk by alerting the marine crew in the unlikely event of a potential marine mammal vessel strike, employment and capacity building for local residents; and records of daily marine mammal and seabird observations. Junior MMOs were provided training in advance of the Project commencement to ensure that mitigation commitments and associated protocols were understood and appropriately implemented. Training included the following: Marine Mammal Observer training (by RPS trainer Ross Compton; two days) Seabird Observer Training (by Fulton Lavender; one day) Marine First Aid Training (from St. John Ambulance; two days) Marine Emergency Duties (A1) (SSTL; three days) Offshore Helicopter Safety Training (SSTL; one day) Behaviour-based Safety Training (by Stu McLea of Peerless Marine Surveyors; one day) WHMIS (St. John s Ambulance, online) Shell online courses 3.1 MMO STAFFING AND RESPONSIBILITIES There were three to four marine mammal and seabird observers (MMO) on each vessel inclusive of one senior MMO/PAM operator for the duration of the survey. The key responsibilities of MMOs were as follows: Implement MMO protocols established for the Project; Conduct systematic seabird surveys in accordance with Eastern Canada Seabirds at Sea (ECSAS) Standardized Protocol for Pelagic Seabird Surveys from Moving and Stationary Platforms (Gjerdrum et al. 2012). Perform daily searches of vessels for stranded birds and implement appropriate protocol for any stranded birds found Two to three MMOs per vessel were tasked with visual monitoring during all daylight hours when the air source array was active and during any pre-ramp watch. A separate observer was 9

14 tasked with PAM during ramp up watch and during periods of poor visibility (i.e., the full safety zone could not be seen). MMOs worked a maximum shift of 12 hours per day with visual watches not exceeding eight hours per day. Additionally, individual watches were not to exceed four hours. Crew changes occurred approximately every five weeks, with a total of three rotations (Table 2). Prior to crew change, the senior MMO/PAM operators provided handover notes to the on-signing senior MMO/PAM operators to aid in the transition. Table 2. Number of Marine Mammal Observers (including PAM Operator) by Vessel WG Magellan WG Cook Tau Ocean Odyssey Western Pride Rotation A n/a Rotation B Rotation C MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVATION METHODS Following any period of silence exceeding 20 minutes, MMOs visually scanned the safety zone 30 minutes prior to the gradual ramp up of the source array. Additionally, MMOs maintained continuous observation of the safety zone(s) during all source array activity. Observation methods varied between vessels due to their individual designs. Observations on the WG Cook and WG Magellan (the outside streamer vessels) were done from the bridge, which offered a 360 viewing platform. Observations made on the inside source vessels, the Western Pride, Ocean Odyssey, and Geco Tau, were done from the bridge and helideck, as neither provided a full 360 viewing platform. MMOs conducted long distance scans for marine mammals with binoculars, in addition to conducting continuous scans without binoculars. Sea surface cues used by the observers to detect animals included the following: Surface blows from cetacean species; Splashes (often the initial cue for small cetaceans); Breaching of cetacean species; Sightings of backs, flukes and dorsal fins; Underwater shapes or coloured patches; Feeding seabird flocks (often associated with feeding cetaceans); The distance of any sighting from the vessel was estimated using reticle binoculars to measure the vertical angle of the line of sight to the animal relative to the horizon. Relative distances between vessels, as well as between vessels and their respective air source arrays, were also used to estimate distances. Forms created by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) were used for collection of visual marine mammal sighting data. Data sheets provided by the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) were used for seabird surveys and to record data on any stranded seabirds. All marine mammal and seabird observation data were later recorded into an electronic database (i.e. Checkpoint). It should be noted that although MMOs and PAM operators endeavoured to ensure accuracy in sighting data, some transcription errors may have occurred. 10

15 3.3 MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVATIONS Overview of Observations In considering the collected observation detailed in the following sections, it is important to note that sightings are tabulated across all seismic vessels. Even in a traditional narrow azimuth, two-dimensional survey, involving one seismic vessel, it is impossible to say whether animals sighted are being recorded multiple times during the course of the survey. As a result, due to there being four seismic vessels collecting observation data at any one time during the Project, duplicated sightings are very likely. The total number of visual sightings collected for the duration of the Project was 340 (Table 3). There were 3056 animals recorded as being sighted (Table 3). In order to more appropriately illustrate the large amount of observational information collected during the Project, cetacean sightings have been divided into two categories: Delphinidae and Other Cetaceans (excluding Delphinidae). Additionally, sightings data and maps have been presented by month (May/June [there was only a week of May where observations were being made so that data has been included in the June data], July, and August) to help illustrate changes in frequency related to time of year. Sea turtles have also been presented separately. 11

16 Table 3. Overall Visual Sightings of all Species Species Total Number Sightings Total Number Animals Airguns On Off On Off Atlantic spotted dolphin Atlantic white-sided dolphin Common bottlenose dolphin Fin whale Harbour porpoise Humpback whale Orca (Killer Whale) Leatherback sea turtle Loggerhead sea turtle Long-beaked common dolphin Long-finned pilot whale Minke whale Risso's dolphin Sei whale Short-beaked common dolphin Sperm whale Striped dolphin Unidentifiable baleen whale Unidentifiable beaked whale Unidentifiable cetacean Unidentifiable dolphin Unidentifiable sea turtle Unidentifiable shark Unidentifiable toothed whale White-beaked dolphin TOTAL

17 Figure 7. Sightings of All Marine Animals 13

18 3.3.2 Cetacean: Delphinidae Due to the large number of sightings, Cetaceans are broken out into the following categories: Dephinidae and Cetaceans excluding Delphidae. This section refers to observations of cetaceans in the Delphinidae family only and includes the following species: Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) Atlantic white sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates) Long beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) Short beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) White-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) Risso s dolphin (Grampus griseus) Orca (Killer Whale) (Orca Orcinus) Long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) The locations of all Delphinidae sightings are shown in Figure 8. The total number of sightings and animals by vessel are reported in Table 4. 14

19 Figure 8. Sightings of All Delphinidae Species *Those outside the Project Area were observed in transit 15

20 Table 4. Visual Sightings of Delphinidae by Vessel Species WG Magellan WG Cook Ocean Odyssey Geco Tau Western Pride Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Atlantic spotted dolphin Atlantic white-sided dolphin Common bottlenose dolphin Orca Long-beaked common dolphin Long-finned pilot whale Short-beaked common dolphin Risso's dolphin Striped dolphin Unidentifiable dolphin White-beaked dolphin TOTAL

21 The total number of sightings, divided by month, is shown in Table 5. These data are plotted in Figure 9 to Figure 11. Delphinidae accounted for 2799, (approximately 90%), of the 3056 animals spotted during this project. The majority of these sightings were of long-finned pilot whales (67 sightings; 648 individuals). Table 5. Visual Sightings of Delphinidae by Month May-June July August Species Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Atlantic spotted dolphin Atlantic white-sided dolphin Common bottlenose dolphin Orca Long-beaked common dolphin Long-finned pilot whale Risso's dolphin Short-beaked common dolphin Striped dolphin Unidentifiable dolphin White-beaked dolphin TOTAL A single sighting of two Orcas was reported by the Geco Tau in July (Figure 10). Short-beaked common dolphins and long-finned pilot whales were the most frequently sighted species in May- June. Risso s and Atlantic white-sided dolphins were seen in similar number of sightings across all months. 17

22 Figure 9. Delphinidae Sighted During the Survey- May June 18

23 Figure 10. Delphinidae Sighted During the Survey- July 19

24 Figure 11. Delphinidae Sighted During the Survey- August 20

25 3.3.3 Cetaceans: Excluding Delphinidae This section covers cetaceans that do not belong to the Delphinidae family (see section 3.3.2). Observations in this section include the following marine mammal species: Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) Sightings of all Cetaceans (excl. Delphinidae) by Species are plotted in Figure 12. The sightings by vessel, and total number of animals, are tabulated in Table 6. These totals are separated by month in Table 7 and illustrated in Figure 13 to Figure 15. The only sightings of Harbour Porpoises occurred in May-June (Figure 13 and Table 7). Although Humpback and Sperm whales were sighted throughout the project, the majority of sightings occurred in July (Figure 14 and Table 7). The only Sei whale was sighted in July (Figure 14). 21

26 Figure 12. All Cetaceans (excl. Delphinidae) Sighted (by Species) *Those outside the Project Area were observed in transit 22

27 Table 6. Visual Sightings of Cetaceans (excluding Delpinidae) by Vessel Species WG Magellan WG Cook Ocean Odyssey Geco Tau Western Pride Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Fin whale Harbour porpoise Humpback whale Minke whale Sei whale Sperm whale Unidentifiable baleen whale Unidentifiable beaked whale Unidentifiable cetacean Unidentifiable toothed whale TOTAL

28 Table 7. Visual Sightings of Cetaceans (excluding Delpinidae) by Month May-June July August Species Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Fin whale Harbour porpoise Humpback whale Minke whale Sei whale Sperm whale Unidentifiable baleen whale Unidentifiable beaked whale Unidentifiable cetacean Unidentifiable toothed whale TOTAL

29 Figure 13. Cetaceans (excl. Delphinidae) Sighted During the Survey- May June 25

30 Figure 14. Cetaceans (excl. Delphinidae) Sighted During the Survey- July 26

31 Figure 15. Cetaceans (excl. Delphinidae) Sighted During the Survey- August 27

32 3.3.4 Turtles There were 22 sightings of turtles during the 2013 survey. Only one of these was a leatherback turtle. There were 18 sightings of loggerhead turtles (19 loggerhead turtles) leading to three shutdowns. Three sightings of sea turtles were unable to be distinguished by species. Table 8. Sightings of Sea Turtles Species Total Number Sightings Total Number Animals Airguns On Off On Off Leatherback sea turtle Loggerhead sea turtle Unidentifiable sea turtle

33 Figure 16. Sea Turtle Sightings 29

34 4 PASSIVE ACOUSTIC MONITORING OBSERVATIONS All vessels were equipped with a PAM system manufactured by Seiche Measurements Ltd. consisting of a towed hydrophone system. The broad-bandwidth hydrophones, along with a depth sensor array, were contained in a 20 m section of cable deployed approximately 250 m behind each vessel. PAM was used to monitor for vocalizing marine mammals within and near the safety zone in order to allow for continuous monitoring of seismic acquisition during periods of darkness and low visibility, or during periods when the sea state impeded visual monitoring. It was used for all ramp ups and during all periods when the safety zone was not fully visible. PAM operators monitored both high- and low-frequency systems on separate laptops using Pamguard software. Lead MMOs onboard all vessels were experienced in the use of PAM systems and trained junior and intermediate MMOs to ensure that monitoring commitments were met during extended periods of poor visibility. The JNCC forms were used for manual acoustic marine mammal monitoring data collection. Additionally, recordings and screen shots were taken whenever possible. All acoustic marine mammal data was also recorded electronically into the Checkpoint database (Table 9). Table 9. Summary of All Acoustic Detection Total Number Species Detections* Airguns On Off Long-finned pilot whale 6 5 Short-beaked common dolphin 1 2 Sperm whale 5 8 Unidentifiable beaked whale 1 3 Unidentifiable cetacean 2 4 Unidentifiable dolphin TOTAL *Total number of animals unknown. As a result of PAM systems recording on all vessels, the same individuals may have been recorded more than once. There were ten delayed ramp ups due to acoustic detections. Three shutdowns were ordered due to acoustic detections, without visual confirmation. See sections

35 Figure 17. Acoustic Detections of Delphinidae 31

36 Figure 18. Acoustic Detections of Cetaceans (excluding Delphinidae) 32

37 5 MITIGATING ACTION Ramp Up Delays and Shutdowns Pre-ramp up watches were conducted over a minimum of 30 minutes. There were 16 delayed ramp ups (Table 10) due to detection of marine mammals and sea turtles during the pre-ramp up watches (Figure 19). Table 10. Summary of Delayed Ramp Up Date Species Vessel 16/06/2013 Unidentifiable dolphin WG Cook 21/06/2013 Long-finned pilot whale WG Magellan 25/06/2013 Unidentifiable baleen whale Ocean Odyssey 07/07/2013 Short-beaked common dolphin Geco Tau 11/07/2013 Unidentifiable beaked whale Geco Tau 13/07/2013 Unidentifiable dolphin WG Magellan 14/07/2013 Unidentifiable dolphin WG Magellan 17/07/2013 Sperm whale Western Pride 31/07/2013 Sperm whale WG Cook 01/08/2013 Sperm whale Geco Tau 08/08/2013 Long-finned pilot whale Ocean Odyssey 14/08/2013 Unidentifiable dolphin WG Magellan 17/08/2013 Unidentifiable dolphin Ocean Odyssey 18/08/2013 Risso's dolphin Geco Tau 21/08/2013 Unidentifiable dolphin WG Magellan 30/08/2013 Unidentifiable dolphin WG Magellan 33

38 Figure 19. Location of Delays and Shutdowns 34

39 There were eight shutdowns for marine mammals and sea turtles during ramp up (Table 11) and 14 full power shutdowns during seismic operations (Table 12). Table 11. Summary of Shutdowns during Ramp Up Date Species Vessel 03/06/2013 Long-finned pilot whale WG Cook 19/06/2013 Short-beaked common dolphin Geco Tau 11/07/2013 Unidentifiable baleen whale WG Magellan 14/07/2013 Short-beaked common dolphin Ocean Odyssey 26/07/2013 Loggerhead sea turtle Ocean Odyssey 01/08/2013 Unidentifiable cetacean WG Magellan 15/08/2013 Unidentifiable dolphin Western Pride 21/08/2013 Unidentifiable dolphin WG Magellan Table 12. Summary of Full Power Shutdowns during Seismic Operations Date Species Vessel 04/06/2013 Fin whale WG Magellan 04/06/2013 Fin whale Ocean Odyssey 21/06/2013 Fin whale WG Magellan 25/06/2013 Sperm whale Ocean Odyssey 05/07/2013 Unidentifiable beaked whale Geco Tau 10/07/2013 Sei whale Geco Tau 14/07/2013 Sperm whale WG Magellan 14/07/2013 Sperm whale Western Pride 19/07/2013 Fin whale WG Magellan 21/07/2013 Loggerhead sea turtle WG Cook 21/07/2013 Minke whale Ocean Odyssey 21/07/2013 Minke whale Western Pride 25/07/2013 Unidentifiable baleen whale WG Magellan 12/08/2013 Loggerhead sea turtle Geco Tau 35

40 5.1.2 Observations Reportable to MARS In additional to mitigation measures and operational protocols made in association with the Project EA, MMOs were also directed to report any sightings of injured and dead marine mammals to the Marine Animal Response Society (MARS). MARS, formerly known as the Nova Scotia Stranding Network, is a charitable organization that is involved in marine mammal rescue, education, and research. In the event an injured or dead marine mammal was observed, information regarding the location, species, and nature of the observation were to be reported to MARS. In association with the Project, two separate marine observations were reported to MARS and have been included below: On 7 th July, 2013, the Ocean Odyssey reported sighting three distinct pods of striped dolphins. The first pod was active at the surface, initially thought to be feeding. As the vessel approached more closely, the pod appeared to be attempting to keep a dead or injured dolphin at the surface. On 16 th July 2013, the Ocean Odyssey, WG Cook, and Western Pride reported the observation of a dead sperm whale. The deceased whale passed between the WG Cook and Ocean Odyssey coming close to the starboard streamer buoys of the WG Cook. The individual whale was drifting on its side and had evident signs of decomposition and sun bleaching. 36

41 6 BIRD SIGHTINGS Seabird observations were undertaken by the MMOs onboard the five seismic vessels. Observations were conducted on opportunistic five-minute watches a minimum of three times per day. Observation methodology between vessels varied. In some cases, observers, due to the infrequency of bird sightings, recorded birds that were seen at any point throughout the day without carrying out specific watches. 6.1 BIRD OBSERVATIONS Table 13 provides a list and enumeration of the species sighted which are displayed in Figure 20. Table 14 and Figure 21 to Figure 23 show the sightings separated by month. A number of sightings did not have accompanying positioning data recorded, therefore, these sighting have been included in Table 13 and Table 14, but are not shown in Figure 20 through Figure 23. The majority of seabird sightings were of shearwaters and storm petrels. There were also three roseate terns (SARA Schedule 1) observed by the MMOs on the WG Magellan, but no mitigation was required as the source was not firing. There were also a few sightings of birds, generally associated with land, flying near or on the seismic vessels while conducting the operations. These bird sightings included a cliff swallow, an unknown swallow, an unknown sparrow, a Ruby-throated hummingbird, and a yellow warbler. 37

42 Table 13. Bird Species Sighted Species Name Total Number Sightings Total Number Birds Arctic tern 1 1 Black Legged Kittiwake 2 2 Common murre Common tern 1 1 Cory's shearwater 4 4 Double-crested cormorant 1 1 Glaucous gull 2 2 Great black-backed gull 1 1 Great shearwater Great skua 1 1 Herring gull 6 10 Laughing gull 1 1 Leach's storm petrel Manx shearwater 3 3 Northern fulmar 3 4 Northern gannet Parasitic jaeger 2 2 Pomarine jaeger 1 1 Roseate tern 1 3 Semipalmated sandpiper Sooty shearwater 8 9 Southpolar skua 1 1 Spotted sandpiper 1 1 Unknown bird 6 7 Unknown cormorant 1 1 Unknown gull 5 5 Unknown murre 6 9 Unknown shearwater Unknown storm petrel Unknown tern 5 5 Wilson's storm petrel Other land-based birds 5 5 TOTAL

43 Figure 20. Bird Sightings Recorded During the Survey 39

44 Table 14. Bird Species Sighted by Month Species May & June 2013 July 2013 August 2013 Sightings Birds Sightings Birds Sightings Birds Arctic tern Black Legged Kittiwake Common murre Common tern Cory's shearwater Double-crested cormorant Glaucous gull Great black-backed gull Great shearwater Great skua Herring gull Laughing gull Leach's storm petrel Manx shearwater Northern fulmar Northern gannet Parasitic jaeger Pomarine jaeger Roseate tern Semipalmated sandpiper Sooty shearwater Southpolar skua Spotted sandpiper Unknown bird Unknown cormorant Unknown gull Unknown murre Unknown shearwater Unknown storm petrel Unknown tern Wilson's storm petrel Other land-based birds TOTAL

45 Figure 21. Bird Sightings Recorded During May-June 41

46 Figure 22. Bird Sightings Recorded in July 42

47 Figure 23. Bird Sightings Recorded in August 43

48 6.2 STRANDED AND DEAD BIRDS Shell obtained a Migratory Bird Handling Permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) in April for the purposes of handling, release, and disposal of any stranded or dead seabirds encountered during the survey. MMOs conducted daily searches (minimum of 2) of the individual vessels for any stranded or dead birds. Additionally, any incidental findings by crewmembers were reported to the MMOs to ensure that the appropriate handling procedures were followed. Procedures outlined in The Leach's Storm-Petrel: General information and handling instructions (Williams and Chardine, n.d.) and developed by CWS were used for the purposes of handling and release of any stranded seabirds. Over the course of the Project, there were two deceased birds reported on the WG Magellan. The first was an unidentified storm petrel discovered on 31 st May The bird was disposed of at sea after being reported to the MMOs onboard. The second deceased bird on the WG Magellan was unidentified and found on top of the cable trays of the gun deck on 11 th July, It was disposed of without the knowledge of the MMOs onboard. The incident was reported by WesternGeco on 13 th July One stranded unidentified storm petrel was found wet and alive on the WG Cook on 11 th June The bird was stunned from hitting a glass pane on deck and was put in a box to recover overnight. The storm petrel was released on the following day by the MMOs. As a follow up commitment as part of the CWS migratory bird permit, a follow up report was provided to CWS on 25 th October 2013 that included this information on the stranded and dead birds. 44

49 7 SPECIES AT RISK There were 22 sightings of Schedule 1 Species at Risk. Twenty-one of these sightings were of Fin whales (Table 15 and Figure 24). Table 15. List of SARA Species Encountered Vessel Date Species Ocean Odyssey 04/06/2013 Fin whale WG Magellan 04/06/2013 Fin whale WG Magellan 05/06/2013 Fin whale Ocean Odyssey 09/06/2013 Fin whale Ocean Odyssey 21/06/2013 Fin whale WG Cook 21/06/2013 Fin whale WG Magellan 21/06/2013 Fin whale Geco Tau 25/06/2013 Fin whale WG Magellan 25/06/2013 Fin whale Ocean Odyssey 28/06/2013 Fin whale WG Magellan 19/07/2013 Fin whale Geco Tau 25/07/2013 Fin whale Geco Tau 30/07/2013 Fin whale Geco Tau 06/08/2013 Fin whale Western Pride 08/08/2013 Leatherback sea turtle Geco Tau 09/08/2013 Fin whale Western Pride 09/08/2013 Fin whale Ocean Odyssey 12/08/2013 Fin whale Ocean Odyssey 12/08/2013 Fin whale WG Magellan 12/08/2013 Fin whale Geco Tau 26/08/2013 Fin whale WG Magellan 27/08/2013 Fin whale A Roseate tern sighting (three individuals) was reported but the coordinates were not recorded. 45

50 Figure 24. SARA Species Sightings 46

51 8 FISHING ACTIVITY Fisheries Liaison Officers were employed on the two streamer vessels (WG Magellan and WG Cook) for the duration of the seismic survey. No significant fisheries interactions took place. There was communication with various fishing vessels which achieved the desired outcome of coordinating seismic and fishing activity.. Table 16. FLO contacts Vessel May June July Aug Sep Magellan Cook Total The vast majority of the fishing vessels were transitioning through the area and appreciated being advised of the proximal seismic activity. No fishing operations were disrupted and no active fishing gear was encountered over the course of seismic activities. From, 19 th June until the week of the 10 th July, vessels were seen transiting to and from fishing area to the south. Details of the FLO interactions were detailed in daily reports and a report under a separate cover. 47

52 9 REFERENCES Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2007). Statement of Canadian Practice with respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment. 5p. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2007). Statement of Canadian Practice with respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment Background Paper, 9p. Gjerdrum, C., D.A. Fifield, and S.I. Wilhelm Eastern Canada Seabirds at Sea (ECSAS) standardized protocol for pelagic seabird surveys from moving and stationary platforms. Canadian Wildlife Service Technical Report Series No Atlantic Region. vi + 37 pp. LGL Limited Environmental assessment of Shell Canada Ltd. s Shelburne Basin 3-D Seismic Survey. LGL Rep. SA1175. Rep. by LGL Limited, St. John s, NL and Mahone Bay, NS, for Shell Canada Limited, Calgary, AB. 127p + appendices Williams, U. and Chardine, J. The Leach's Storm-Petrel: General information and handling instructions. 48

53 Appendix A. Sightings by Vessel 49

54 Delphinidae Species WG Magellan WG Cook Ocean Odyssey Geco Tau Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Atlantic spotted dolphin Atlantic white-sided dolphin Common bottlenose dolphin Orca Long-beaked common dolphin Long-finned pilot whale Risso's dolphin Short-beaked common dolphin Striped dolphin Unidentifiable dolphin White-beaked dolphin TOTAL *Note: the Western Pride is not included as it did not join the project until July. Visual Sightings of Delphinidae in May- June 50

55 Delphinidae Species WG Magellan WG Cook Ocean Odyssey Geco Tau Western Pride Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Atlantic spotted dolphin Atlantic white-sided dolphin Common bottlenose dolphin Orca Long-beaked common dolphin Long-finned pilot whale Risso's dolphin Short-beaked common dolphin Striped dolphin Unidentifiable dolphin White-beaked dolphin TOTAL Visual Sightings of Delphinidae in July 51

56 Delphinidae Species WG Magellan WG Cook Ocean Odyssey Geco Tau Western Pride Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Atlantic spotted dolphin Atlantic white-sided dolphin Common bottlenose dolphin Orca Long-beaked common dolphin Long-finned pilot whale Risso's dolphin Short-beaked common dolphin Striped dolphin Unidentifiable dolphin White-beaked dolphin TOTAL Visual Sightings of Delphinidae in August 52

57 Cetaceans Species WG Magellan WG Cook Ocean Odyssey Geco Tau Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Fin whale Harbour porpoise Humpback whale Minke whale Sei whale Sperm whale Unidentifiable baleen whale Unidentifiable beaked whale Unidentifiable cetacean Unidentifiable toothed whale TOTAL Sightings of Cetaceans (excl. Delphinidae) in May- June 53

58 Cetaceans Species WG Magellan WG Cook Ocean Odyssey Geco Tau Western Pride Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Fin whale Harbour porpoise Humpback whale Minke whale Sei whale Sperm whale Unidentifiable baleen whale Unidentifiable beaked whale Unidentifiable cetacean Unidentifiable toothed whale TOTAL Sightings of Cetaceans (excl. Delphinidae) in July 54

59 Cetaceans Species WG Magellan WG Cook Ocean Odyssey Geco Tau Western Pride Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Fin whale Harbour porpoise Humpback whale Minke whale Sei whale Sperm whale Unidentifiable baleen whale Unidentifiable beaked whale Unidentifiable cetacean Unidentifiable toothed whale TOTAL Sightings of Cetaceans (excl. Delphinidae) in August 55

60 BIRDS: MAY & JUNE 2013 Species WG Magellan WG Cook Ocean Odyssey Geco Tau Sightings Birds Sightings Birds Sightings Birds Sighting Birds s Arctic tern Black Legged Kittiwake Common murre Common tern Cory's shearwater Double-crested cormorant Glaucous gull Great black-backed gull Great shearwater Great skua Herring gull Laughing gull Leach's storm petrel Manx shearwater Northern fulmar Northern gannet Parasitic jaeger Pomarine jaeger Roseate tern Semipalmated sandpiper Sooty shearwater Southpolar skua Spotted sandpiper Unknown bird Unknown cormorant Unknown gull Unknown murre Unknown shearwater Unknown storm petrel Unknown tern Wilson's storm petrel Other land-based birds TOTAL

61 BIRDS: JULY 2013 Species WG Magellan WG Cook Ocean Odyssey Geco Tau Western Pride Sightings Birds Sighting Birds Sightings Birds Sightings Birds Sighting Birds Arctic tern Black Legged Kittiwake Common murre Common tern Cory's shearwater Double-crested cormorant Glaucous gull Great black-backed gull Great shearwater Great skua Herring gull Laughing gull Leach's storm petrel Manx shearwater Northern fulmar Northern gannet Parasitic jaeger Pomarine jaeger Roseate tern Semipalmated sandpiper Sooty shearwater Southpolar skua Spotted sandpiper Unknown bird Unknown cormorant Unknown gull Unknown murre Unknown shearwater Unknown storm petrel Unknown tern Wilson's storm petrel Other land-based birds TOTAL

62 BIRDS: AUGUST 2013 Species WG Magellan WG Cook Ocean Odyssey Geco Tau Western Pride Sightings Birds Sighting Birds Sightings Birds Sightings Birds Sighting Birds Arctic tern Black Legged Kittiwake Common murre Common tern Cory's shearwater Double-crested cormorant Glaucous gull Great black-backed gull Great shearwater Great skua Herring gull Laughing gull Leach's storm petrel Manx shearwater Northern fulmar Northern gannet Parasitic jaeger Pomarine jaeger Roseate tern Semipalmated sandpiper Sooty shearwater Southpolar skua Spotted sandpiper Unknown bird Unknown cormorant Unknown gull Unknown murre Unknown shearwater Unknown storm petrel Unknown tern Wilson's storm petrel Other land-based birds TOTAL