ExxonMobil helps study and protect marine life

ExxonMobil’s commitment to the ecosystems in which it operates includes those populated by whales, seals, sea turtles and others that call the ocean home.

Company researchers are actively working with various partners to study the effects of upstream operations on marine life through an international Exploration and Production Sound and Marine Life Joint Industry Program (JIP). The JIP is advancing scientific understanding of how sounds produced by oil and gas exploration and production affect marine life.

ExxonMobil participated in the first scientific review meeting of the current research projects, held recently in Houston, which showcased more than 40 projects ranging from analyses of Minke whale hearing to field studies on seal foraging. Regulators, academics, upstream employees and service company employees demonstrated the extent of the JIP’s research to help the industry make decisions about oil and gas exploration and production in marine areas.

“Thanks to the efforts of all involved, we are improving our understanding of the potential impacts of our operations on marine life,” said John Young, Issue Management Coordinator of the Sound and the Marine Environment Issue Team for ExxonMobil Exploration Company, and the JIP executive committee chairman. “Our measure of success will be if we can continue to provide the world with the resources it needs, work in the environment in a balanced and protected way informed by peer-reviewed science, and provide the scientific results in a transparent process for regulators.”

Not long ago, little research existed on if or how man-made sound affected animals that use sound to navigate, find food, avoid danger and communicate. Plenty of speculation guided the thinking and subsequent regulations on offshore exploration and production, but the lack of a scientific basis prohibited the development of well-rounded solutions to protect marine life.

All that changed in 2005, when ExxonMobil helped initiate the JIP with membership from other oil and gas companies and the geophysical industry association, and oversight from the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers. The JIP has committed around $24 million to approximately 60 research topics, such as the sources of marine sound; the effects of sound on marine mammals and marine life hearing; noise mitigation and monitoring techniques; and research tools for future study. ExxonMobil has pledged nearly $5 million to the JIP.

After the successful scientific review, the JIP is furthering phase-two projects and is considering a three-year extension to fund additional research. Its members, which currently comprise 14 oil and gas companies and one industry association, are expected to reach an agreement in early 2009.