Seismic Testing to Move Forward

Yesterday the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management released its final environmental impact statement on the plan to open up the Atlanta coast to seismic surveys for oil and gas. This decision potentially opens the door to deep water drilling off the Atlantic coast, which will threaten our vibrant coastal economies and communities. 

In addition to the looming risks surrounding offshore drilling, the air gun blasts used in seismic testing are harmful to marine life, including the critically endangered North American right whale.  Seismic testing also has been shown to displace commercial fishing species, resulting in lower catch rates for cod, haddock, and rockfish, threatening our coastal economies.