Trinidad and Tobago is the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas, and its economy is heavily dependent upon these resources. Offshore oil exploration surrounding the Trinidad and Tobago archipelago has been undertaken for many years with 39 deep water (12,000 feet or more) blocks established.
The Environmental Management Authority, a Trinidad and Tobago government authority, put out an open request for proposals early in 2013 which attracted numerous local and international bids. Oceanwatch Marine Mammal Observer Services Ltd, based in Trinidad, won this bid process to develop seismic survey guidelines for the Trinidad and Tobago archipelago.
The MMOA is delighted to hear of this development as it is our policy to encourage countries to formulate mitigation measures specific to their waters and the species that will be encountered.
Oceanwatch Marine Mammal Observer Services Ltd acts as both an MMO agency and a training provider with highly experienced personnel. A literature review is currently underway and a website has been set up for the public and stakeholders to view and comment on.
ttseismicsurveyguide.wix.com/testing
Oceanwatch are inviting MMOA members to comment on this consultation, or to get involved if interested. Any comments from MMOA members will be included in the public consultation.
Various stakeholders are also being asked to voice their concerns, to share information and to offer any suggestions that may be useful to the process. The idea is that stakeholders will also help ‘test’ the guidelines before they are submitted to the EMA.
Here is a great chance for MMOs to be directly involved with shaping the guidelines that we work with and for our voices to be heard.
