Our latest paper, published in the International Journal of Wildlife and Endangered Species Conservation, describes an interesting data set of marine mammal observations, gathered in 2007 in the Dogger Bank Special Area of Conservation (SAC), during and after the final seismic 3D survey to be undertaken in German waters. Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) were detected in large numbers during both the spring and summer observations, while minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) were much more prevalent in the spring. These findings are in line with expected seasonal patterns of behaviour, and it was found that the seismic survey had no observable effect on these or any other of the observed species.
These results provide valuable sightings in this remote, yet highly developed, section of the North Sea, informing future Environmental Impact Assessments for oil and gas exploration and production operators and renewable-infrastructure developers in the Dogger Bank SAC.
You can find out more about this study and read the published paper in full and for free here. If you are interested in any other research OSC has carried out, our full publication list can be found here.
