Scientists from the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (HFI) have gathered and accumulated knowledge about how noise from seismic activities affect life in the ocean. Results show that seismic activities do not necessarily constitute a problem, provided it takes place outside of spawning areas in the spawning season.

HFI researchers have documented that some fish species, such as cod and haddock, swim up to 30 kilometers away from seismic activities. – That does not necessarily pose a problem in the feeding season, when fish are widely distributed in the ocean. However, if it were to take place in a spawning area where a lot of fish is gathered in a more limited area, it may be critical, says researcher Lise Doksæter Sivle.

The report also focuses on fish larvae and whales. Based on research available, scientist do not believe that seismic activity poses a risk for newly hatched larvae, though whales will most likely be scared away by seismic activity.