The seismic survey company Bergen Oilfield Services AS will carry out the assignment using the vessel BOS Atlantic on behalf of the authorities
The seismic survey company Bergen Oilfield Services AS will carry out the assignment using the vessel S/V BOS Atlantic on behalf of the authorities. The 3D seismic data acquisition activity will take place in Troms II – north of Andøya. The NPD's goal for this year's seismic season is to acquire as much data as possible without conflicting with fishery activities in the area.
When the Storting, Norwegian Parliament, considered the Management Plan for the Barents Sea and the waters off Lofoten in the summer of 2006, it also resolved that potential petroleum deposits in the subsurface should be studied. The Storting also resolved to increase knowledge about seabirds in the areas covered by the management plan through the Seapop program, as well as about the seabed through the Mareano program.
The NPD wants to provide good information about this summer's activity to affected parties. For this purpose, information meetings are planned in Lofoten, Vesterålen and on Senja.
The fishery interests and the authorities both want to increase knowledge about the effects of seismic noise on fish. A research project will be conducted in connection with this summer's 3D seismic data collection, in cooperation with the Institute of Marine Research. The objects of the study include examining the impact of the startle response in fish and the circulation of pressure waves in the water.
NOK 70 million was allocated for seismic acquisition in 2007, while the amount for 2008 is NOK 140 million.
