Gene Kliewer,
Technology Editor, Subsea & Seismic
HOUSTON --The E&P Sound & Marine Life Joint Industry Program (JIP) wraps up its three-day status review in Houston today. The JIP participants learned what its various studies into the affects of the noise created by upstream operations on marine life have found to date areas for further study.
In his introductory remarks, John Young of Esso Exploration, JIP executive committee chairman, said, "This is the biggest JIP in industry history and it is designed to fill in gaps in knowledge about the impact of noise created by offshore operations on marine life.
By the end of 2008, the JIP, which currently consists of 13 operators and one industry association will have funded 57 projects at a total cost of $16.4 million in the following areas:
1. Sound source characterization
2. Physical and hearing affects of sound on ocean creatures
3. Behavioral reactions of sea animals to sound
4. Mitigation and monitoring.
A number of these Phase II projects are under way and scheduled for completion by 2011. The JIP is talking about a three-year extension. An agreement in principal has been reached and a final agreement is expected early next year.
Members of the JIP are Anadarko, BG Group, BHP Billiton, BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Eni, ExxonMobil, the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers, Santos, Shell, StatoilHydro, Total, and Woodside.
10/30/2008
