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Seismic research project worries environmentalists

posted 07/10/03
The Cascadia Seismic (CASSIS) Experiment is expected to yield important information about earthquake activity in the Vancouver and Puget Sound region. Some environmentalists are worried the loud sounds used in the project will adversely affect marine mammals. Dr. George D. Spence of the University of Victoria, said precautions will be taken.

CASSIS involves Canadian and Japanese researchers. A Japanese seismic vessel will arrive in August 2003 for the experiment. Seismometers on land and in the ocean will record sounds from a ship-based airgun. Spence said the air gun will be at least 10 kilometers offshore.

The research will result in a 3-D seismic dataset that will be helpful in determining which areas are most vulnerable to earthquakes. Check out the CASSIS WEB SITE for details of the project.

Howard Garret and Susan Berta of Orca Network are concerned the project will harm marine mammals. In a press release they wrote: "Severe trauma to marine mammals will almost certainly result from this project if it is allowed to continue as planned, including the Southern Resident Community of orcas which is listed as Depleted under the MMPA in the US and as Endangered under the SARA in Canada. "

In a phone interview July 9, 2003, Spence said the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is evaluating the project's potential effect on marine mammals. He noted the "evaluation is not yet complete." The researchers are concerned about any negative impact on marine mammals and will follow the recommendations of the DFO, he said.

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