International Ocean Discovery Program Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Cnr Jerrabomberra Avenue and Hindmarsh Drive, Survey 2017 Symonston ACT 2609 GPO Box 378, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Information Sheet for Stakeholders +61 2 6249 9111 www.ga.gov.au ABN 80 091 799 039 Introduction Geoscience Australia (GA) and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) are undertaking a collaborative project with involvement of the international science community to examine the geological and climatic history of the Lord Howe Rise located about 800 km east of Australia. The project comprises four main activities: 1. Deep Seismic Survey for Crustal Structure and Tectonic Framework (completed March–May 2016). 2. Detailed Site Survey at Proposed IODP Drilling Sites (November–December 2017; this information sheet). 3. Deep Stratigraphic Drilling (proposed for 2019/2020, if funded). 4. Processing and storage of data and samples. Information from the surveys and drilling will provide a globally-significant record of the evolution of the Earth’s crust and of climatic and environmental change during the Mesozoic Era (250–66 million years ago). The drilling stage of the project will be conducted through the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP Proposal 871-CPP). This information sheet describes the timing, location and details of the 2017 Detailed Site Survey and invites comment and enquiries from stakeholders with an interest in the proposed survey area.
Survey Location and Timing The Detailed Site Survey will take place in the southern Coral Sea, about 800 km east of Brisbane. Operations will focus on sites that are being considered for IODP drilling (Figure 1). At these sites, seafloor imagery, bathymetry, sub-bottom profiles, seafloor samples and a detailed grid of seismic lines will be acquired (100– 200 m line spacing). A single seismic line of about 200 km in length will also be acquired across one of the sites. The survey is scheduled to take place between 14 November and 27 December 2017.
Figure 1. Location map of seismic and sampling survey proposed for November and December 2017
Survey Activities Dates indicated below are indicative only and subject to change. • 24 hour operation of a deep-towed seafloor imaging, bathymetry and sub-bottom mapping system (16–22 November). • Daytime seabed sampling operations: piston coring, grab sampling (29 November–2 December). • Temporary deployment and recovery of up to 100 ocean bottom seismometers on the seabed (9–25 December). • 24 hour operation of a towed seismic system using an airgun array with up to 7800 cubic inch capacity (12–21 December). • 24 hour operation of shipboard multibeam, sub-bottom profiles, gravity and magnetics (14 November–27 December). The seismic array will be used to image the subsurface to a depth of 30 km or more. Ocean bottom seismometers are passive instruments used to record seismic signals that allow measurements of the thickness of the Earth’s crust.
Survey Vessel The survey vessel will be the RV Kairei, owned and operated by JAMSTEC. In accordance with requirements for foreign-flagged vessels seeking to undertake marine scientific research under UNCLOS Part XIII within Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, an application for Public Vessel Status will be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Environmental Impact Geoscience Australia is preparing an evaluation of the possible environmental impact of the Detailed Site Survey as required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). This evaluation will include identification of listed threatened and migratory species that may occur in, or may relate to, the nominated survey area. Specific focus will be placed on assessing the likely physical and/or behavioural impacts of the seismic activity on marine fauna (including marine mammals). Sound propagation from the seismic array and acoustic exposure levels modelled prior to the Deep Seismic Survey completed in 2016 will be used to inform this assessment. The use of air-guns during the seismic survey will be subject to the EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1 – Interaction between offshore seismic exploration and whales. The risk of potential disturbance and injury to marine mammals from underwater noise produced by the airgun array will be carefully considered and adaptive management will be used in conjunction with other mitigation measures, as outlined in EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1. These measures will include pre start-up observations, soft-start procedures, increased precaution zones, as well as visual and passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) for whales by trained marine mammal observers and passive acoustic monitoring operators. All data collected from the survey will be made freely available, including public release of a post-survey report in 2018.
Contact details for Geoscience Australia
For further information or to provide comment on the proposed survey please contact Jessica Gurney no later than 7 April 2017.
Jessica Gurney Project Manager Geoscience Australia P: (02) 6249 9043 E: [email protected]
13 March 2017
Re: International Ocean Discovery Program Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey
Invitation to Comment
Dear Sir/Madam,
The Australian Government, through Geoscience Australia, is proposing to conduct a detailed scientific marine seismic and sampling survey on the Lord Howe Rise (southern Coral Sea) in 2017. The survey will be conducted in collaboration with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and is part of a larger research project proposed under the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP Proposal 871-CPP) titled “First Deep Stratigraphic Record for the Cretaceous Eastern Gondwana Margin: Tectonics, paleoclimate and deep life on the Lord Howe Rise high-latitude continental ribbon”.
The proposed survey is scheduled to take place between 9 November and 28 December 2017 and will involve the operation of a multi-channel towed seismic system, the temporary deployment of ocean bottom seismometers on the seafloor, and the collection of seabed imagery and sediment samples. Further information regarding the survey is provided in the attached information sheet.
Geoscience Australia is currently preparing a referral report for the proposed survey that will address the potential impacts of the survey activities on matters of environmental significance (including Threatened and Migratory species) protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999. This EPBC referral process involves public consultation with relevant stakeholders.
To assist us with compiling a thorough referral, we welcome the submission of any comments or concerns you may have about the proposed survey. To ensure timely submission of the EPBC Referral to the Australian Government’s Minister for the Environment and Energy, we would greatly appreciate your response by 7 April 2017. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have regarding the proposal.
Sincerely,
Jessica Gurney Project Manager, Lord Howe Rise Survey Geoscience Australia P: (02) 6249 9043 E: [email protected]
D2017-55542
From: Gurney Jessica Sent: Friday, 24 March 2017 To: 'Lay, Steven K' Subject: RE: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017
Hi Steven,
As requested, please find attached the zip file with a map in shape file. Kind regards, Jessica
Jessica Gurney | Project Manager Energy System Branch | Resources Division
From: Lay, Steven K Sent: Friday, 24 March 2017 10:50 AM To: Gurney Jessica Subject: RE: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017
Hi Jessica
Would you be able to provide a shapefile or KMZ or the proposed survey area?
This will help Telstra assess if there is any impact to international submarine telecommunication cables in the Lord Howe Rise region.
Steven K Lay S Submarine Cable Project Engineer
Marine Operations & Services International Operations & Services, Telstra Global Enterprise & Services
D2017-55482 From: Phillip Murphy Sent: Monday, 10 April 2017 To: Gurney Jessica Subject: RE: Due on 7 April: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017
Hi Jessica, Understood. Regards Philip Murphy
General Manager Marine Operations Service Global Enterprises & Services
From: Gurney Jessica Sent: Monday, 10 April 2017 To: Murphy, Philip Cc: Lay, Steven K Subject: RE: Due on 7 April: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017 Hi Philip, The coordinates that I sent to you in my previous email is for define area for main operation, seabed mapping and seismic activities. The file attached in this email has coordinates defining area for opportunistic mapping during transit to and from port using shipboard systems. Please let me know if there are any issues. Thank you. Kind regards, Jessica Jessica Gurney | Project Manager Energy System Branch | Resources Division
From: Gurney Jessica Sent: Monday, 10 April 2017 To: 'Murphy, Philip' Cc: Lay, Steven K Subject: RE: Due on 7 April: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017 Hi Philip, As requested, please find attached an Excel Spreadsheet with coordinates of the survey area. Please let me know if there are any issues. Thank you. Kind regards, Jessica Jessica Gurney | Project Manager Energy System Branch | Resources Division
From: Murphy, Philip Sent: Friday, 7 April 2017 To: Gurney Jessica
Subject: RE: Due on 7 April: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017 Hi Jessica, AJC tracks North at about 155°to 156° E off Brisbane so seems to be outside the solid and dashed lines on your map indicating areas of seismic activity. Nonetheless can you provide exact coordinates for your work. Regards Philip Murphy
General Manager Marine Operations Service Global Enterprises & Services
D2017-52594 From: MarineReserves Sent: 7 April 2017 To: Gurney Jessica; Subject: RE: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017
Hi Jessica,
Thank you again for the opportunity to provide comment on the proposal to conduct scientific marine seismic and sampling survey on the Lord Howe Rise and for providing the coordinates of the proposed areas of operation.
Upon mapping these activities I can confirm that the only proposed activity which overlaps with a Commonwealth marine reserve (CMR) is the seabed mapping operation (see attached maps) which overlaps the Gifford CMR.
LHR_SeisSamplingSurvey2017_SeabedMappingSampling_SeisAcquisition_20170118.csv No overlap with CMR, west of Gifford CMR LHR_SeisSamplingSurvey2017_SeabedMapping_SeismicOps_20170213.csv No overlap with CMR, west of Gifford CMR LHR_SeisSamplingSurvey2017_SeabedMapping_20170213.csv Overlaps Gifford CMR Folder seismic_lines (prime 1, 1 and 3) No overlap with CMR, east of Gifford CMR Folder OBS_locations (prime 1, 1 and 3) No overlap with CMR, east of Gifford CMR
At this point in time a management plan for this reserve (as proclaimed in 2013) is not in effect and so there is no requirement for an authorisation by the Director of National Parks for these activities. Management plans are currently being drafted for the Temperate East Network of which the Gifford CMR is included. It is not likely that the plan will come into effect while the proposed activities are in progress during 2017 however if it does, it would then trigger a requirement for written authorisation by the Director of National Parks, if approval under the EPBC Act has not already been provided (i.e. if this activity is deemed not to be a controlled action).
For this reason, it would be good to be updated on the outcome of this referral so that we can follow up with you and provide further advice on how we would deal with this situation.
Even though a management plan is yet to be in operation we still encourage you to give consideration to the potential impacts of the proposed activity on reserve values, and risk to those values, and consider ways to reduce impacts to as low as reasonably practicable. Information on the values of the Gifford CMR can be found on our website. We would also like to note our support towards research activities that provide us with information that enhances our understanding and improves management of our reserves.
Kind regards, Renee
D2017-51297 From: Clampett David Sent: 3 April 2017 To: Gurney Jessica; Subject: RE: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017
Hi Jessica, I can confirm that the area of the seismic survey is well away from the Southern Cross Cable route and will not be impacted by the survey. We have no other comments to add. Thank you for the information and opportunity to comment.
Regards, David
David Clampett Network Administrator/ Southern Cross Cable Network
D2017-51222 From: PCT Information Sent: 16 March 2017 To: Gurney Jessica; Subject: RE: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017
Thank you for your email. Your inquiry has been forwarded to the department that manages letters of inquiry. Please note that our work outside of the United States is limited to a few projects. These projects are either Pew-initiated or are a historical interest. Pew does not accept grant applications for these projects.
We appreciate your interest in The Pew Charitable Trusts.
D2017-51204 From: Clark Meridith Sent: 7 April 2017 To: Gurney Jessica; Subject: RE: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017
Jessica
My colleague Luke provided AMSA’s feedback on 20 March 2017.
Kind regards Meredith (Mel) Clark ADVISOR NAUTICAL RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM SAFETY STANDARDS
D2017-44942 From: Fam Jackie Sent: 23 March 2017 To: Gurney Jessica; Subject: RE: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017
Dear Jessica
Thank you for providing the ACMA with the opportunity to comment on Geoscience Australia’s proposal to conduct a marine seismic and sampling survey in the area of Lord Howe Rise in the Southern Coral Sea as part of the International Ocean Discovery Program. We note that the survey is scheduled to take place between 9 November and 28 December 2017.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is responsible for administering the submarine cable protection and permit regime under Schedule 3A to the Telecommunications Act 1997. This regime provides for submarine cable protection zones to be declared around telecommunications submarine cables that are considered to be of national significance. Certain activities, including exploring for resources and mining are prohibited or restricted in protection zones. There are currently three protection zones: the Northern Sydney Protection Zone, the Southern Sydney Protection Zone and the Perth Protection Zone.
The proposed survey area does not appear to be in the vicinity of existing protection zones. However, it should be noted that the protection zone regime does not cover all submarine cables and proponents are encouraged to ascertain whether any submarine cables exist in the locale and consult relevant submarine cable operators to ensure proposed activities do not inadvertently damage telecommunications cables. In this regard we recommend that proponents consult the submarine telecommunications cable map at http://www.submarinecablemap.com which contains information about existing and planned cables. While this is not necessarily a comprehensive database of such cable infrastructure, it provides a good starting point to determine operators of submarine cables in and around Australian waters.
Based on the information you have provided, it appears that the location of the proposed survey activity may be in the vicinity of the Gondwana-1 cable operated by the Office des Postes et Telecommunications (OPT), Caledonia and the Telstra Endeavour cable. As such, you may wish to consider consulting these cable operators prior to conducting the survey. Their contact details are as follows:
Mr Remi De Cambiaire OPT
Mr Philip Murphy Telstra
Please contact me if you have any further queries.
Kind regards
Jackie Fam Senior Advisor Networks Section ______
Australian Communications and Media Authority
D2017-42728 From: Pugsley Luke Sent: 20 March 2017 To: Gurney Jessica; Subject: RE: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017
Good morning Jessica,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Lord Howe Rise marine seismic and sampling survey.
Attached is a historic AIS traffic plot based off data collected between November 2016 and January 2017. Interactions between the RV Kairei and commercial ships is most likely to occur throughout the central part of the seabed mapping and seismic operations area.
The RV Kairei will need to be active and maintain exceptional communications with all commercial shipping, should they be encountered, in the survey area noting there will be a considerable speed difference between commercial shipping and the RV Kairei whilst the latter is conducting operations. The RV Kairei must display appropriate day shapes, lights and streamers, reflective tail buoys, to indicate the vessel is towing and is therefore restricted in her ability to manoeuvre. Visual and radar watches must be maintained on the bridge at all times.
It is requested that the RV Kairei contact AMSA’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) through [email protected] for NAVAREA warning broadcasts before operations commence and during the survey period. AMSA’s RCC will require the vessels details (including callsign and Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)), satellite communications details (including INMARSAT-C and satellite telephone) and area of operation and need to be advised when the survey starts and ends.
Kind regards, Luke
Luke Pugsley SENIOR ADVISOR NAUTICAL AND HYDROGRAPHIC SYSTEM SAFETY STANDARDS
D2017-42586 From: Cook Glen Sent: 17 March 2017 To: Gurney Jessica; Subject: RE: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017
HI
Activities have been noted. Please keep us informed to enable us to publish appropriate Notice to Mariners action as required.
Cheers Glen Cook
A/Manager Nautical Assessment and Maintenance Australian Hydrographic Service
D2017-42585
From: Howell Jacinda Sent: 17 March 2017 To: Gurney Jessica; Subject: RE: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017
Good Afternoon Jessica,
MBC doesn’t have any comment in regards to the attached and below e-mail.
Thank you for the information.
Cheers,
Jacinda HOWELL Senior Border Force Officer Plans Support | Plans Directoriate Maritime Border Command Operations Group | Australian Border Force
D2017-39776 From: Gurney Jessica Sent: Wednesday, 15 March 2017 10:01 AM To: Bruce Taylor; Subject: RE: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017
Dear Bruce,
Thank you for your prompt response. It is noted that you are the contact for future correspondence. Kind regards, Jessica
From: Bruce Taylor Sent: Wednesday, 15 March 2017 10:01 AM To: Gurney Jessica; Subject: RE: Invitation to Comment: Lord Howe Rise Marine Seismic and Sampling Survey 2017
Hi Jessica,
The Administration of Norfolk Island ceased to exist 30 June 2016. The Norfolk Island Regional Council is now the elected body on Norfolk Island.
Please address future correspondence to me.
The Council has no comments or concerns regarding your proposed survey.
Kind Regards
Bruce Taylor | Group Manager Services Norfolk Island Regional Council www.norfolkisland.gov.nf
Integrity | Communication | Accountability | Respect | Excellence
Stakeholder consultation contact register
Local Administration and Tourism Contact Date Comments received by 24 July 2017 Outcome/Follow-on Action Associations
Email 14 March 2017 Norfolk Island Regional Council contact provided. No Norfolk Island Regional Council Not applicable. Response 15 March 2017 other comment. Not applicable. Norfolk Island Advisory Council (NIAC) Email 15 March 2017 No comments received.
Norfolk Island Tourism Association Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Not applicable. Not applicable. Lord Howe Island Board Email 14 March 2017 No comments received.
Lord Howe Island Tourism Association Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Not applicable. Government Security and Safety Contact Date Comments received Outcome/Follow-on Action Services
Department of Defence (Defence Force Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Ongoing communication. Australia) Australian Hydrographic Service AHS Email 14 March 2017 Requested GA to inform notice for mariners prior to GA to provide notification 3-4 weeks prior to survey. Response 17 March 2017 the survey commencement. commencement. Australian Communications and Media Authority Email 14 March 2017 Noted that the proposed survey area did not appear Submarine cable operators have been contacted. Response 23 March 2017 to be in the vicinity of existing protection zones, but recommended GA to contact relevant submarine cable operators Gondwana-1 and Telstra Endeavour cable. Australian Border Force/Maritime Border Email 14 March 2017 Acknowledging receipt of Information but provided Provide notification 3-4 weeks before the survey. Command Response 17 March 2017 no further comment. AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) Email 14 March 2017 Requested coordinates of survey. See below. Response 14 March 2017 Contact provided for Joint Rescue Coordination Email 15 March 2017 Centre (JRCC). Refer to response from the (JRCC) Response 7 April 2017 below.
AMSA Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Email 3/11/2015 Historic AIS traffic plot provided and advice on Traffic transiting between Sydney and Noumea will pass close to operational requirements for vessel’s restricted the proposed drilling sites. Heavy traffic transiting between manoeuvrability. Brisbane (and other major Queensland ports) and New Zealand will also be encountered. Operational requirement: the seismic vessel must display appropriate day shapes, lights and streamers, reflective tail buoys, to indicate the vessel is towing and is therefore restricted in her ability to manoeuvre. Visual and radar watches must be maintained on the bridge at all times. Ongoing communication: GA to contact AMSA’s Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre (JRCC) for NAVAREA warning broadcasts prior to commencement of operations. Submarine Cables Contact Date Comments received Outcome/Follow-on Action
Solomon’s Oceanic Cable Company Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Not applicable. Australia-Japan Cable and APNG-2 Cable Email 14 March 2017 Noted that AJC tracks North at about 155°to 156° E Survey coordinates provided as requested. No further action Telstra Endeavour Submarine Cable Response 7 April 2017 off Brisbane, were outside the proposed survey required. Email 10 April 2017 locations. Requested coordinates for survey and Response 11 April 2017 acknowledged receipt of these. RTI Connectivity Pty Ltd (Japan-Guam-Australia Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Not applicable. JGA Cable) Hawaiki Submarine Cable Australia Pty Ltd Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Not applicable. EGS Survey Pty Ltd SX NEXT survey Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Not applicable. Southern Cross Cable Network Email 14 March 2017 Commented that the Southern Cross cable is located Not applicable. Response 16 March 2017 well away from the survey zone and will not be impacted. Gondwana-1 New Caledonia OPT Email 24 March 2017. No comments received. Not applicable. PIPE Pacific Cable – 1 Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Not applicable. Local Commercial and Recreational Contact Date Comments received Outcome/Follow -on Action Fisheries
Australian Fisheries Management Authority Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Consultation is ongoing with individual fisheries. (AFMA) NSW Game Fishing Association (NSW GFA) Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Consultation is ongoing. Commonwealth Fisheries Association (CFA) Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Consultation is ongoing. Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Consultation is ongoing. Norfolk Island Fishing Association Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Consultation is ongoing. Small Pelagic Fishery Industry Association Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Consultation is ongoing. Australian southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Consultation is ongoing. Association East Coast Deepwater Trawl Sector Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Consultation is ongoing. Scalefish Hook Sector Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Consultation is ongoing. NSW Commercial Fisheries Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Consultation is ongoing. Professional Fishermen's Association (PFA) QLD Commercial Fisheries Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Consultation is ongoing. Marine Parks and Reserves Contact Date Comments received Outcome/Follow -on Action
The Department of the Environment (DoE) Pre-Referral Meeting at Meeting: Discussion on details of survey. Meeting: As a follow-up to discussions, GA provided relevant peer- DoEE 15 March 2017 Email: DoEE Requested coordinates of the proposed reviewed publications by GA addressing the potential impacts of Email 14 March 2017 areas of operation, noting that the seabed mapping seismic surveys on marine fauna. Response 14 March 2017 operation overlapped with Gifford CMR. DoEE Emails: Coordinates provided to DoEE and communication with Email 20 March 2017 indicated that the management plan for this reserve DoEE is ongoing. GA to provide an update on the outcome of the Response 7 April 2017 was not in effect but encouraged consideration of EPBC Referral to Parks Australia. the potential impacts of the proposed activity on reserve values, and risk to those values, and consider ways to reduce impacts to as low as reasonably practicable. DoEE noted their support towards research activities that provide information that enhances understanding and improves management of CMRs and requested an update on the outcome of the EPBC referral. NGOS and Conservation Groups Contact Date Comments received Outcome/Follow -on Action
Whale and Dolphin Conservation, WDC, Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Not applicable. Australasia The Nature Conservation Council of NSW Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Not applicable. Wilderness Society Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Not applicable. Pew Charitable Trusts Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Not applicable. International Fund for Animal Welfare IFAW Email 14 March 2017 No comments received. Not applicable. Save our marine life Email 3/11/2015 No comments received. Not applicable