Prepared by. and. for. Shell Canada Limited

Transcription

1 MARINE MAMMAL AND SEA TURTLE MONITORING, RESULTS FOR THE CHESHIRE L97-A WELL: SHELL CANADA LIMITED S SHELBURNE BASIN VENTURE EXPLORATION DRILLING PROJECT Prepared by and for Shell Canada Limited LGL Report FA October 2016

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3 MARINE MAMMAL AND SEA TURTLE MONITORING, RESULTS FOR THE CHESHIRE L97-A WELL: SHELL CANADA LIMITED S SHELBURNE BASIN VENTURE EXPLORATION DRILLING PROJECT Prepared by Joseph Beland LGL Ltd., environmental research associates 388 Kenmount Rd., P.O. Box 13248, Stn A, St. John s, NL A1B 4A5 (709) and Katie Kowarski Jasco Applied Sciences 32 Troop Ave, #202, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1Z1 (902) for Shell Canada Limited 400-4th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 0J4 LGL Report FA October 2016

4 Suggested format for citation: Beland, J. and K. Kowarski Marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring, results for the Cheshire L97-A well: Shell Canada Limited s Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project. LGL Rep. FA Rep. by LGL Limited, St. John s, NL, and JASCO Applied Sciences, Dartmouth, NS, for Shell Canada Limited, Calgary, AB. 7 p. + appendix.

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents... ii List of Figures... iii List of Tables... iii 1.0 Introduction Background Overview of VSP and Monitoring Operations Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Monitoring and Mitigation Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Visual Monitoring Results and Daily Log Survey Effort Marine Mammal Sightings Daily Visual Log Implementation of Mitigation Measures Acoustic Monitoring Results and Daily Log Survey Effort Marine Mammal Detections and Monitoring Efficacy Daily Acoustic Log Implementation of Mitigation Measures Summary Acknowledgements Literature Cited... 7 Page Appendix 1: Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project, Marine Marine Mammal Observer Program ii

6 LIST OF FIGURES Page Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2 Location of the Cheshire well showing the 500 m Safety Zone and 1 km Shutdown Zone The Stena IceMax was used to conduct visual and PAM observations during the VSP program... 2 LIST OF TABLES Table 2.1 Marine mammal species, number of sightings, and number of individuals observed during the VSP survey Table 2.2 Summary of marine mammal sightings observed during monitoring from the IceMax on September 14, Table 2.3 Daily MMO Log Table 3.1 Daily PAM Operator Log iii

7 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background On September 14 and 15, 2016, Shell Canada Limited (Shell) conducted a zero-offset vertical seismic profiling (VSP) survey at its Cheshire L97-A exploration well location (latitude: N 42⁰ ; longitude: W 62⁰ ) as part of the Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project (the Project) (Figure 1.1). VSP required the transmission of sound pulses into the water column at regular intervals. This was undertaken by releasing compressed air from an array of airguns deployed from the Project drillship, the Stena IceMax (the IceMax; see Section 1.2 for more details). Shell and LGL Limited (LGL) prepared a Marine Mammal Observer Program (the Program) (Appendix 1) to be implemented during the VSP survey. The Program describes the monitoring and mitigation measures to be implemented during VSP in order to minimize potential effects of airgun sound on marine mammals and sea turtles. The Program was prepared in accordance with Conditions 3.7 and 3.8 of the Decision Statement Issued under Section 54 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA) for the Project, which include applying the Fisheries and Oceans Canada s (DFO) Statement of Canadian Practice with respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment (the SOCP) (DFO 2013). The Program was implemented by experienced and trained marine mammal observers (MMOs) (biologists from LGL) and a Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operator (bioacoustician from JASCO Applied Sciences (JASCO)), who were on board the IceMax for the duration of the VSP activity (see Section 1.3 for more details). This final report contains the results of the Program and will be submitted to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) within 30 days of the completion of the survey, in accordance with CEAA Condition Overview of VSP and Monitoring Operations The zero-offset VSP survey was conducted from the IceMax (Figure 1.2). The airgun array consisted of six airguns with a total volume of 1,200 in 3 [(3 x 250 in 3 + (3 x 150 in 3 )]. The airgun array was deployed from a rig (the aft-port) crane at a depth of approximately 5 m below the water surface. The airguns were activated roughly every 30 seconds to 1 minute while at a station within the wellbore, and every 5 to 10 minutes while moving between station measurements. VSP data were acquired on September 14 and 15, In total, the airguns were active for 16.9 hours. The IceMax served as the platform from where the MMOs and PAM Operator conducted visual and acoustic monitoring during VSP. Observations were focused on the area within 1,000 m (1 km) of the IceMax (i.e., the shutdown zone). This 1 km shutdown zone includes Shell s 500 m exclusion safety zone. It is within these safety and shutdown zones that mitigation measures would be employed if marine mammals and sea turtles listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), as well as all other baleen whales and sea turtles were detected during periods of airgun use. Visual monitoring for marine mammals and sea turtles was primarily conducted from the bridge, which is approximately 40 m above sea level and spans most of the width of the drillship. The MMOs also had access to the bridgewings and catwalk. In addition, MMOs were aided by a video camera positioned approximately 16.5 m above the water, which focused on waters aft of the drillship. A visual feed from the camera was located on the port side of the bridge in an area accessible to the MMOs. As a result, the MMOs maintained the ability to view the entire shutdown zone. Workstations located on the port side of the bridge were used by the MMOs (and PAM operator) to record data on marine mammal and sea turtle sightings directly into customized PSOTracker software. 1

8 Figure 1.1 Location of the Cheshire well showing the 500 m Safety Zone and 1 km Shutdown Zone. Figure 1.2 The Stena IceMax was used to conduct visual and PAM observations during the VSP program. 2

9 The PAM system (i.e., JASCO s Ocean Sound Meter (OSM)) was deployed prior to VSP operations (i.e., on September 13, 2016). A hydrophone was deployed through the instrumentation tube ahead of the moon pool so that it extended approximately 1 m below the vessel while remaining clear of the drillship s Dynamic Positioning (DP) thrusters. The hydrophone was connected via a cable to the OSM system that was secured within the Paleo Workshop on the IceMax. Data from the OSM reached the bridge via the drillship s network and the acoustic data were displayed in real time to a laptop via JASCO s PAMlab software. 1.3 Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Monitoring and Mitigation Two MMOs and one PAM operator were stationed on the IceMax throughout the VSP survey. The MMOs were tasked with visually monitoring the occurrence and behaviour of marine mammals and sea turtles within 1 km of the drillship during all daytime periods, when the airgun array was operating and during most daylight periods when airguns were not operating. Their duties included watching for and identifying marine mammals and sea turtles (using reticle binoculars and the naked eye); recording their numbers, distances and responses to the VSP operations; initiating mitigation measures when appropriate; and reporting the results. Mitigations to be implemented included completing a 30 minute pre-ramp-up watch and 20 minute ramp-up before the commencement of any airgun operations and imposing shutdowns of the airguns if marine mammals (listed on Schedule 1 of SARA or other baleen whales) or sea turtles were observed within the 1 km shutdown zone. The PAM operator was tasked with surveying for vocalizing marine mammals within the 1 km shutdown zone around the drillship during periods of low visibility (e.g., fog and darkness), when visual observations were not possible, and during the pre-ramp-up watch. Mitigations to be implemented included imposing shutdowns of the airguns if a Schedule 1 SARA marine mammal or other baleen whale is acoustically detected within the 1 km shutdown zone and delaying ramp-up as necessary. A detailed description of acoustic and visual monitoring and mitigation protocols is provided in the Program document (Appendix 1). 2.0 MARINE MAMMAL AND SEA TURTLE VISUAL MONITORING RESULTS AND DAILY LOG 2.1 Survey Effort The number of visual observation hours during the VSP survey totalled 10.5 hours. Of this effort, 6.9 hours occurred during periods with airgun activity and 3.6 hours occurred during periods without airgun activity. Visual observations only occurred on September 14, 2016 because the VSP program concluded in the early morning hours on September 15, Marine Mammal Sightings During systematic and continuous watches from the IceMax during daylight hours, there were two sightings totalling four individual marine mammals (Table 2.1). A sighting is considered a unique marine mammal or marine mammal group. One sighting of an individual unidentified whale occurred during airgun activity (Table 2.2). Both times this whale was sighted, it was observed breaching out of the water. The unidentified whale was observed about 5 km from the IceMax. Given the whale was observed outside of the shutdown zone, airgun activity was not required to be shut down. Three unidentified baleen whales were observed when the airguns were inactive. These whales were initially observed directly behind the drillship, approximately 2 km away. Multiple blows were observed, and the whales were seen swimming away from the area. The three unidentified baleen whales were observed regularly for almost 2 hours, and were last seen 7.5 km away from the IceMax. 3

10 Table 2.1 Marine mammal species, number of sightings, and number of individuals observed during the VSP survey. Species No. of Sightings No. of Individuals Unidentified baleen whale 1 3 Unidentified whale 1 1 Total 2 4 Table 2.2 Summary of marine mammal sightings observed during monitoring from the IceMax on September 14, Species/Group No. of Latitude Longitude Beaufort Visibility Distance Seismic Time Individuals (ºN) 2 (ºW) 2 Wind (km) (m) 3 State Force Unidentified Baleen whale 3 8: No airguns Unidentified Baleen whale 1 3 9: No airguns Unidentified Baleen whale : No airguns Unidentified whale 1 17: Full Array Resighting of same individuals. 2 Latitude/longitude coordinates of the marine mammal location. 3 Distance estimate relative to location of MMOs on IceMax bridge Daily Visual Log During the VSP survey, the MMOs kept a daily log (Table 2.3), comprised of a brief summary of daily events and observations. Table 2.3 Daily MMO Log. Date (2016) Time (ADT) 14-Sep 07:45:00 Weather Conditions Clear (>10 km vis); Beaufort Wind Force (Bf) 3; limited cloud cover. 14-Sep 08:00:00 Same as above. 14-Sep 08:30:00 Same as above. Event MMOs started setting up work station in the bridge. Alerted by drilling personnel of potential whales behind the drillship. The MMO was able to locate the whales and keep an eye on them; 3 unidentified baleen whales were observed ~ 2 km away during period of airgun inactivity. MMOs were informed that VSP operations were slightly delayed and we would likely need to start the pre-watch around Sep 09:23:19 Same as above. PAM Operator has the acoustic station recording. 14-Sep 09:30:00 Same as above. MMOs started full-time watches. The 3 baleen whales that were initially seen at 0800 were seen again, but now were ~7.5 km away (well out of the shutdown/safety zone). 14-Sep 12:30:58 Same as above. Starting to deploy airguns (portside aft crane); two MMOs on-duty for pre-watch. 14-Sep 13:07:21 Same as above. Ramp-up started; starting with smallest airgun (150 cu in) at 500 psi. 14-Sep 13:34:05 Same as above. Ramp-up has concluded; two MMOs and the PAM operator were on-duty for the pre-watch period, as well as the entire Ramp-up- period, which lasted from 13:07 to 13:34. After the Ramp-Up, a single MMO was on-duty and PAM operator was off shift. PAM system continued to record data. 4

11 Date Time (2016) (ADT) Weather Conditions Event 14-Sep 15:00:00 Same as above. Skandi Flora along starboard side for bunkering. 14-Sep 16:35:12 Same as above. Few ocean sunfish (Mola mola) observed off portside midship. 14-Sep 17:20:00 Same as above. Large splash observed from a single breaching whale; breached again at 17:24. Could not identify whale to species. 14-Sep 19:00:00 Same as above. Skandi Flora just disconnected after bunkering. 14-Sep 20:00:00 Dark (100 m vis); Bf 3; MMOs conclude visual watches; PAM Operator on-duty to do acoustic limited cloud cover. monitoring. 2.4 Implementation of Mitigation Measures There were no ramp-up delays or airgun shut downs due to marine mammals or sea turtles visually detected within the pre-determined 1 km shut down and 500 m safety zones during the VSP survey. Pre-ramp-up watches and ramp-up protocols were implemented in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Program document (Appendix 1). 3.0 ACOUSTIC MONITORING RESULTS AND DAILY LOG 3.1 Survey Effort Acoustic data were recorded from 9:23 a.m. on September 14 to 7:28 a.m. on September 15, While the data was recorded for the duration of VSP activities, the acoustic spectrogram was only aurally and/or visually monitored for marine mammals during the pre-ramp-up watch and hours of limited visibility (i.e., at night). During the VSP survey, acoustic monitoring and real-time review of the acoustic spectrogram totalled 13.8 hours. Of this effort, 10.2 hours occurred during periods with airgun activity and 3.6 hours occurred during periods without airgun activity. Most of the acoustic monitoring effort occurred at night (10.7 hours). 3.2 Marine Mammal Detections and Monitoring Efficacy No marine mammals were detected acoustically during the VSP survey. The acoustic recordings contained a variety of drillship sounds and those associated with the VSP survey. VSP survey activities were not constant in nature (with gaps of 10 sec to 10 min), allowing for more effective monitoring of marine mammals than would be expected during typical 2-D or 3-D seismic surveys where airguns are activated more frequently. The constant noise from the IceMax resulted in a sound level of 140 db in the Hz band where the majority of baleen whale calls occur. Most baleen whale calls are believed to have source levels of db and at least 6 db SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) is required for detection. Therefore, the detectability range for acoustically active baleen whales was likely reduced to m by the masking effects of the drillship noise. Detecting noise from the drillship was unavoidable given the limited options in safe locations for hydrophone deployment. Odontocete calls occur in higher frequency bands where drillship noise was limited. For these species (beaked whales, dolphins, and pilot whales), clicks and/or whistles would likely be detected out to a range of approximately 1 km. Sperm whale clicks (those at lower frequencies) would be detectable at distances between 2 to 5 km from the IceMax. 3.3 Daily Acoustic Log During the VSP survey, the PAM Operator kept a daily log (Table 3.1) comprised of a brief summary of daily events and observations. 5

12 3.4 Implementation of Mitigation Measures There were no ramp-up delays or airgun shut downs due to marine mammals acoustically detected within the pre-determined safety zones during the VSP survey. Pre-ramp-up watches and ramp-up protocols were implemented in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Program document. Table 3.1 Daily PAM Operator Log. Date Time (2016) (ADT) Event 12-Sep 15:18:42 Pre Deployment Calibration recording started. 12-Sep 15:30:34 Pre Deployment Calibration recording stopped. 14-Sep 09:23:19 Recording Started. At least 3 baleen whales visually sighted 7+ km 14-Sep 09:53:00 away heading south east. 14-Sep 11:00:00 Start pre-clearance monitoring. Ramp-up starts at low levels, pre-ramp-up 14-Sep 13:07:21 clearance done. 14-Sep 19:49:00 Start night watch. 15-Sep 03:18:13 Seismic had ceased for over 20 min. 15-Sep 05:45:00 MMO takes over PAM duties so PAM Operator can rest before retrieval. 15-Sep 06:30:00 Airguns stopped; VSP concluded. 15-Sep 07:20:00 Retrieval call. 15-Sep 07:28:25 Recording stopped. Comments Not detected acoustically. Listening continuously (11:24-11:40 went for lunch. Acoustic data collected during the lunch time period were visually reviewed upon return.) Recording continuously, but have stopped monitoring until night time. Informed seismic operators that a ramp-up was required. MMO informed PAM Operator to have gear retrieved. 4.0 SUMMARY On September 14 and 15, 2016, the Marine Mammal Observer Program (the Program) was implemented by two MMOs and a PAM Operator onboard the IceMax during the VSP survey for the Cheshire well. Monitoring for marine mammals and sea turtles was accomplished through both visual and acoustic observations of the 1 km shutdown zone around the IceMax. Of the 10.5 hours of visual monitoring, there were two sightings of four individual marine mammals; an individual unidentified whale at a distance of 5 km during airgun activity, and three unidentified baleen whales observed at a distance of 2 km when the airguns were inactive. There were no ramp-up delays or airgun shut downs due to marine mammals or sea turtles visually detected within the 1 km shutdown and 500 m safety zones. Pre-ramp-up watches and ramp-up protocols were implemented in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Program document (Appendix 1). No marine mammals were detected acoustically during the 13.8 hours of acoustic monitoring. There were no ramp-up delays or airgun shut downs due to marine mammals acoustically detected within the 1 km shutdown and 500 m safety zones. Pre-ramp-up watches and ramp-up protocols were implemented in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Program document. 6

13 5.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Lara Smandych of Shell provided support and assistance during the planning and conduct of the monitoring program. Tara Oak of Shell also provided assistance. Ruby Martin (LGL) assisted with report production. Val Moulton (LGL) managed the project and reviewed this document. Dave Smart (JASCO) coordinated PAM logistics. Joseph Beland (LGL) and Dr. Tony Lang (LGL) were the MMOs, and Katie Kowarski (JASCO) was the PAM Operator. Vincent Verkerk (Day Shift) and Constantine Khvorostian (Night Shift), the two Schlumberger Engineers, ensured effective communication between the survey crew and the MMOs and PAM Operator on the Stena IceMax. Thanks to the many people on the crew of the Stena IceMax for their support during the VSP survey. 6.0 LITERATURE CITED CEAA (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency) Decision Statement issued under Section 54 of Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, Issued to Shell Canada Limited for the Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project. Issued 15 June 2015 by the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment. Available online at: DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) Statement of Canadian Practice with respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment. Available online at: 7

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15 APPENDIX 1 Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project Marine Mammal Observer Program

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17 Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project Marine Mammal Observer Program Project Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project Document Title Marine Mammal Observer Program Document Number EP Document Revision 02R Document Status Issued for Authority Approval (IFAA) Owner / Author L. Smandych/V. Moulton (LGL) Issue Date February 29, 2016 Expiry Date Security Classification Disclosure None Unrestricted External via CNSOPB and CEAA

18 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER PROGRAM OVERVIEW Project Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) VISUAL MONITORING Marine Mammal Observer Training and Qualifications Visual Monitoring Methodology Data Acquisition (QA/QC) Mitigation Measures Shutdown Zone Shut Downs Pre-Ramp-up Watch and Delay of Ramp-up Ramp-up Unplanned Cessation of Airguns Procedure for Observation of Dead or Injured Marine Mammal or Sea Turtle Communications PASSIVE ACOUSTIC MONITORING PAM Mitigation Measures Shut Downs Pre-Ramp-up Watch and Delay of Ramp-up Ramp-up REPORTING REFERENCES LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Location of Shelburne Project Cheshire VSP Survey with 500 m Safety Zone and 1 km Shutdown Zone... 2 LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A Statement of Canadian Practice with Respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment Appendix B Marine Mammal Observer Capsule Résumés Appendix C Passive Acoustic Monitoring System Details

19 Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project 1. MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Marine Mammal Observer Program (the Program) is designed to guide the Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) during the Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project (the Project) Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) program for the Cheshire L-97 exploration well (Cheshire). The Program will ensure that the associated practices meet the requirements of Project Conditions 3.7 and 3.8 made under the Decision Statement Issued under Section 54 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2015) which include applying the Fisheries and Oceans Canada s (DFO) Statement of Canadian Practice with respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment (the SOCP) (DFO 2013) (Appendix A) in addition to meeting the commitments made in association with the Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (Stantec 2014) and the Project Environmental Protection Plan (EPP (EP )) (Shell 2015). Monitoring for marine mammals and sea turtles will be accomplished through both visual and acoustic observations. The objectives of visual and acoustic monitoring for marine mammals and sea turtles will be to: minimize the risk (to the extent possible) of marine mammals and sea turtles incurring effects from exposure to airgun pulses by implementing mitigation measures during VSP activity; collect and report data on the occurrence and distribution of marine mammals and sea turtles within and adjacent to the safety zone/shutdown zone around the drillship where VSP activity will occur; and document observations and noted responses, if any, of the proposed VSP activities on marine mammals and sea turtles. Monitoring for marine mammals and sea turtles will be accomplished primarily through visual observations. Observations will focus on an area within 1000 m (1 km) of the well location (i.e., the shutdown zone) measured from the centre of the air source array. This 1 km shutdown zone includes Shell s 500 m exclusion safety zone around the Project drillship, the Stena IceMax (IceMax) (see Section for further details) (Figure 1). Visual monitoring and reporting will be conducted by a team of experienced and trained MMOs from LGL Limited (LGL). The MMOs will be stationed onboard the IceMax throughout the duration of the VSP program and will maintain continuous visual watch for marine mammals and sea turtles during daylight hours. At this time, it is anticipated VSP will run for a maximum of two consecutive days commencing in March During periods of low visibility (e.g., fog and darkness) when visual observation is not possible (i.e., the 1 km shutdown zone around the IceMax is not visible) and during the pre-ramp-up watch, an experienced Passive Acoustic Monitor (PAM) operator from JASCO Applied Sciences (JASCO) will survey for vocalizing marine mammals using a PAM system deployed from the IceMax (see Section 3 and Appendix C for details). Document # EP February 29, 2016 Revision 02R Unrestricted

20 Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project Figure 1: Location of Shelburne Project Cheshire VSP Survey with 500 m Safety Zone and 1 km Shutdown Zone Document # EP February 29, 2016 Revision 02R Unrestricted

21 Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project 1.1. Project Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) Shell will conduct Zero-offset VSP at its Cheshire drilling location, which is located 250 km south of Halifax in 2,143 m water depth. An airgun array consisting of 6 airguns with a total airgun volume of 1200 in 3 [(3 x 250 in 3 ) + (3 x 150 in 3 )] will be deployed from the IceMax. The airguns will be deployed from a rig crane and at a planned depth of 5 m below the water surface. Airguns will be activated every 30 seconds to 1 minute while at a station within the wellbore and every 5 to 10 minutes while moving between station measurements. 2. VISUAL MONITORING Two MMOs will be onboard the IceMax to monitor for the presence of marine mammals and sea turtles as required under the Project CEAA conditions, including SOCP, and outlined in the Project EA and EPP. The MMOs will be responsible for: visual monitoring and identification of Schedule 1 SARA listed species as well as other baleen whales and sea turtles within and near the 1 km shutdown zone as well as any marine mammal (cetaceans and pinnipeds) within the 500 m safety zone (during preramp-up); recording all marine mammal and sea turtle sightings, with distance estimates from the IceMax, and any noted behaviours; implementing SOCP procedure and other mitigation measures; communicating relevant monitoring and mitigation procedures with IceMax crew; coordinating PAM with visual observations; assisting with PAM as required; and preparing daily reports and a final report. The MMOs will work closely together to ensure visual monitoring for marine mammals and sea turtles is conducted for the duration of the Project VSP Program. The MMOs will maintain continuous visual watch for marine mammals and sea turtles during all daylight hours when airguns are active and prior to ramp-up. They will endeavor also to conduct visual observations during most, if not all, non-seismic periods (during all daylight periods) Marine Mammal Observer Training and Qualifications The Project MMOs are both highly experienced and have undergone technical training designed and customized by senior LGL marine biologists (including marine mammal and sea turtle identification) and the required safety training. It is anticipated that Mr. Joe Beland and Dr. Tony Lang of LGL will serve as MMOs. If one of these MMOs is unavailable, then qualified back-up personnel will be provided. To demonstrate that MMOs are trained to identify different species as stipulated in the Project CEAA Condition 3.8, capsule résumés for Mr. Beland and Dr. Lang are provided in Appendix B to highlight training and relevant experience. Document # EP February 29, 2016 Revision 02R Unrestricted

22 Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project From a training perspective, it is the responsibility of the MMOs to review and be familiar with the following: marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring and mitigation methods specifically required for the project and detailed in this Program; key characteristics (identification features, behaviour, life history attributes) of marine mammal and sea turtle species that could occur in the survey area; marine mammal and sea turtle sighting, identification, and distance estimation methods; responsibilities of onboard MMOs and the communication protocol on the IceMax; operation of specialized equipment (reticle binoculars, GPS system, PAM system); and data recording and data entry systems, including procedures for recording data on marine mammal sightings, monitoring operations, environmental conditions. These procedures will be implemented through the use of customized software on a laptop computer Visual Monitoring Methodology The MMOs will be located on the bridge of the IceMax and have access to the bridgewings and a live feed camera that will allow for a 360 degree view of the 1 km shutdown zone. The MMOs will scan the water surface around the IceMax during daylight periods, aided by 7 x 50 Fujinon FMTRC-SX binoculars as optical instruments. The binoculars include a reticle to measure depression angle relative to the horizon, which is an indicator of distance. A camera mounted on the stern of the IceMax will also be used by the MMOs to monitor the 180 degree view (covering Port to Starboard). Personnel on the IceMax may assist the MMOs in watching for marine mammals and sea turtles and will inform the MMOs when they make any incidental sighting. MMOs will have a direct line of communication with the operator of the VSP airguns so that shut downs and delays of ramp-up can be communicated immediately (see Sections 2.4 and 3.1 for details on mitigation measures). MMO shift duration will not exceed eight (8) hours per day. It is anticipated that one MMO will assist the PAM operator with acoustic monitoring Data Acquisition (QA/QC) The marine mammal and sea turtle data, as well as environmental and operational data, will be entered into a LGL custom-designed data entry program called PSOTracker installed on field laptops. PSOTracker was designed as a tool for MMOs to quickly and accurately capture the details of a marine mammal sighting. PSOTracker provides the MMO with descriptive drop down lists instead of codes, and displays reminders when mitigation situations are detected. Document # EP February 29, 2016 Revision 02R Unrestricted

23 Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) is built into the data entry process. When a MMO enters a record, the software checks field values against other fields and will display an error message when there is a data entry mistake or a data field is not entered. Subsequent, manual checking of the database by both the Lead MMO and the manager at LGL s office will help ensure data integrity. These procedures will allow initial summaries of data to be prepared during and shortly after the Program, and will facilitate transfer of the data for further processing, as required. Quality control of the data will be facilitated by (1) the start-of-season technical training session, (2) subsequent supervision by the Lead MMO, and (3) ongoing data checks by the onshore manager during the Program. The data entered into the field laptops will be automatically backed up at five minute intervals onto flash USB devices. The USB devices will be stored at separate locations on the vessel at the end of each daily observation period. Copies of data back-ups will also be kept at the LGL office. LGL will prepare a MMO Handbook that will be utilized by the observers offshore. The Handbook will include the monitoring and mitigation information relevant to Shell s VSP program. It will also detail data collection protocols, data codes, data back-up procedures, reporting procedures, and communication channels. LGL proposes to use its PSOTracker software/data entry system on the IceMax. Procedures for the use of this system will be included in the Handbook. The plans for utilizing the PAM system will also be included. All observers will be familiar with the contents of the Handbook prior to commencing the Program Mitigation Measures Mitigation for marine mammals and sea turtles associated with the Project CEAA Conditions 3.7 and 3.8, SOCP and commitments made in association with the Project EA and EPP are outlined herein. Commitments found in Shell s Project EA include adherence to mitigation measures outlined in Shell s EA for the Shelburne Basin 3D Seismic Survey (LGL 2013) Shutdown Zone As identified within the Shelburne 3D Seismic EA (LGL 2013), to minimize the potential for hearing impairment to marine mammals and sea turtles, airgun operations will be shut down temporarily if certain species are sighted within a pre-determined safety or shutdown zone around the airguns. The SOCP (Section 6a) requires that a proponent establish a safety zone which is a circle with a radius of at least 500 m as measured from the centre of the air source array(s). Shell undertook acoustic modelling for its Shelburne 3D Seismic EA to derive an appropriate shutdown zone (and assess sound levels from the proposed airgun array). Shell Document # EP February 29, 2016 Revision 02R Unrestricted

24 Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project used a precautionary 1 km safety zone for shut downs 1. The use of a 1 km zone for shut downs is considered conservative for VSP given that the proposed Project airgun array is much smaller (6 airguns with a total volume of 1200 in 3 [(3 x 250 in 3 ) + (3 x 150 in 3 )]) than the 5,085 in 3 3D seismic array that was modelled. Shell will employ a 1 km shutdown zone for all marine mammals and sea turtles listed on Schedule 1 of SARA as well as all other baleen whales and sea turtles observed during periods of airgun use. SARA Schedule 1 marine mammal and sea turtle species 2 that may occur in the survey area include: Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) Endangered Northern Bottlenose Whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) Scotian Shelf population Endangered Fin Whale (B. physalus) Special Concern Sowerby s Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon bidens) Special Concern Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Endangered Other baleen whales and sea turtles that could be found in the survey area include: Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Sei Whale (B. borealis) Minke Whale (B. acutorostrata) Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) Shut Downs Airguns will be shut down if a marine mammal or sea turtle species listed on Schedule 1 of SARA, as well as all other baleen whales and sea turtles, is observed within the 1 km shutdown zone (Shell 2015). Airgun activity will not resume unless the Schedule 1 SARA listed marine mammal, other baleen whale or sea turtle has been observed to leave the shutdown zone or 30 minutes has passed since initial detection. If the species observed within the shutdown zone is a Schedule 1 beaked whale, airgun activity will not resume unless the animal is observed to leave the zone or 60 minutes has passed since initial detection (LGL 2013). When a Schedule 1 marine mammal, other baleen whale or sea turtle is observed to be on a course that will result in it entering the 1 km shutdown zone, a precautionary shut down will be 1 Shell used the 180 db re 1 µpa rms criterion for defining the safety or shutdown zone around its 3D airgun array (5,085 in 3 ; LGL 2013). The implementation of a 180 db rms shutdown zone is considered precautionary for cetaceans listed on Schedule 1 of SARA as well as other baleen whales. 2 Note that the SOCP only requires shut down of airguns for species listed as endangered or threatened on Schedule 1 of SARA. Document # EP February 29, 2016 Revision 02R Unrestricted

25 Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project implemented. All shutdown events due to marine mammals and/or sea turtles are to be detailed in the daily field report provided to Shell by the Lead MMO Pre-Ramp-up Watch and Delay of Ramp-up A pre-ramp-up visual watch of 30 minutes will be conducted before the start of any airgun operations, and following any period of airgun inactivity greater than 20 minutes. Additionally, PAM will be used to monitor for vocalizing marine mammals within the 1 km shutdown zone during this pre-ramp-up period (See Section 3). As outlined in the Shelburne Basin 3D Seismic EA, two zones will be used for the purposes of delay of ramp-up; the 500 m exclusion safety zone and the 1 km shutdown zone. If any marine mammal (cetaceans and pinnipeds) is visually (or acoustically detected) within the 500 m safety zone or if any Schedule 1 SARA listed marine mammal, other baleen whales or sea turtle is visually or acoustically detected in the 1 km shutdown zone during the pre-ramp-up watch period, the ramp-up will be delayed until the animal has been observed outside of the respective safety/shutdown zone or 30 minutes have passed since the animal was last detected inside the safety or shutdown zone. If a beaked whale species is detected within the safety/shutdown zone during the pre-ramp-up watch period, the ramp-up will be delayed for 60 minutes or until the animal has been detected outside the safety/shutdown zone. If no marine mammals or sea turtles are detected during the pre-ramp-up watch, ramp-up procedures may be initiated Ramp-up A gradual ramp-up or soft start procedure will be conducted over a minimum period of 20 minutes following the pre-ramp-up watch beginning with the activation of the smallest airgun (in terms of energy) and increasing incrementally as additional airguns are activated and the airgun array reaches full power. Ramp-ups should not exceed 20 minutes in duration, and to the extent possible, will be initiated during daylight hours and clear conditions. During periods of low visibility (e.g., fog or darkness) when the 1 km shutdown zone cannot be visually monitored during ramp-up, PAM will be utilized to monitor for vocalizing marine mammals within the shutdown zone (see Section 3). If a SARA Schedule 1 marine mammal, any other baleen whale or sea turtle is visually observed (or acoustically detected during periods of low visibility) within the 1 km shutdown zone during the ramp-up procedure, the airguns will be shut down immediately. A new ramp-up procedure will be initiated once the animal has been observed outside of the shutdown zone or 30 minutes has passed since the animal was last observed. If a Schedule 1 beaked whale is detected Document # EP February 29, 2016 Revision 02R Unrestricted

26 Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project during the 20 minute ramp-up procedure, a new ramp-up procedure will not be initiated until 60 minutes have passed or the animal has been observed outside the shutdown zone Unplanned Cessation of Airguns If the use of airguns during VSP stops for any reason other than a marine mammal or sea turtle shut down, the program can be re-initiated at full power provided that the shut down (period of airgun inactivity) does not exceed 20 minutes and no Schedule 1 SARA listed species, any other baleen whale or sea turtle enters the 1 km shutdown zone and no other marine mammal enters the 500 m safety zone during that time. If the period of airgun inactivity exceeds 20 minutes, a pre-ramp-up watch and full ramp-up procedure will be initiated. The pre-ramp-up watch is not required if a MMO can verify that no SARA Schedule 1 marine mammals or sea turtles entered the 1 km shutdown zone and no other marine mammal entered the 500 m safety zone during the entire period of airgun inactivity. Ramp-up is required for any period of airgun inactivity exceeding 20 minutes even if there has been no visual detection of marine mammals or sea turtles during that period. If an unplanned cessation of airgun use occurs during periods of poor visibility where visual monitoring is not possible, PAM will be used (see Section 3) Procedure for Observation of Dead or Injured Marine Mammal or Sea Turtle In the event that a dead or injured marine mammal or sea turtle is observed offshore by a MMO, it will be reported immediately to Shell. Shell will contact the Canadian Coast Guard radio, Marine Animal Response Society (MARS), and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB). Where possible, photographs of injured or dead observed marine mammals will also be provided Communications The MMOs and the PAM Operator will have access to a radio to communicate with the VSP technicians to trigger shut downs and start-up procedures. 3. PASSIVE ACOUSTIC MONITORING JASCO will be providing the PAM system, as well as a PAM operator that will join the LGL MMO team. Ms. Katie Kowarski will serve as the PAM operator. She has six years of experience operating PAM systems and differentiating calls from marine mammals along the east coast of Canada. Document # EP February 29, 2016 Revision 02R Unrestricted

27 Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project The PAM operator will be onboard the IceMax for the full duration of the program to conduct PAM set-up, configuration and maintenance. JASCO will implement the PAM program to monitor for vocalizing marine mammals within and near the 1 km shutdown zone to allow the continuation of monitoring during periods of poor visibility and during the pre-ramp-up watch. To conduct PAM, JASCO will supply and operate its Ocean Sound Meter (OSM) system to monitor for vocalizing marine mammals during periods of poor visibility and during the pre-rampup watch. The PAM system will be operated statically from the IceMax. The OSM system consists of a hydrophone, cable, laptop, interface module, and customized software for real-time viewing/listening of acoustic data. Data are recorded on external hard drives from the laptop. Details are provided in Appendix C. JASCO s OSM system is designed to effectively monitor underwater sounds that range from 10 Hz to 64 khz. Thus, the OSM system is capable of detecting low-frequency baleen whale calls and high-frequency marine mammal vocalizations at low to moderately high frequencies, for example, odontocete socialization whistles and some components of clicks. The OSM will be configured in multi-fft mode which allows the operator to see the full recorded spectrum at the optimal resolution for detecting marine mammals in each frequency band. The Normalize Across Time feature will be turned on to help remove the noise of the vessel and give the operator the best chance of visually detecting marine mammal calls on the display screen. The full range of automated detectors will also be running to queue the operator to possible calls PAM Mitigation Measures PAM will be used during the pre-ramp-up watch and during periods when the airguns are active in conditions of low visibility, i.e., when the 1 km shutdown zone is not fully visible (e.g., darkness, fog) Shut Downs During periods of low visibility, airguns will be shut down if a Schedule 1 SARA marine mammal or other baleen whale is acoustically detected within the 1 km shutdown zone. Airgun activity will resume when the Schedule 1 SARA listed marine mammal or other baleen whale has been detected beyond the shutdown zone or 30 minutes has passed since initial detection. If the species detected within the shutdown zone is a Schedule 1 beaked whale, airgun activity will not resume unless the animal is detected outside of the shutdown zone or 60 minutes has passed since initial detection Pre-Ramp-up Watch and Delay of Ramp-up If any cetacean is acoustically detected within the 1 km shutdown zone during the pre-ramp-up watch, the ramp-up will be delayed until the animals are no longer detected or 30 minutes have passed (60 minutes for beaked whales) since the animal was last detected. The OSM system (and any single hydrophone system) cannot provide distance estimates for marine mammal calls. However, the amplitude of the calls provides an approximate indication of the distance to Document # EP February 29, 2016 Revision 02R Unrestricted

28 Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project the source. For operations associated with the IceMax where the background noise levels are expected to be high across the sound spectrum, any detection will likely be indicative of marine mammal calls within 1 km of the vessel. Acoustic detections of marine mammals will therefore be assumed to be within the 1km shutdown zone Ramp-up During periods of low visibility, airguns will be shut down if a SARA Schedule 1 marine mammal or other baleen whale is acoustically detected within the shutdown zone during the ramp-up procedure. A new ramp-up procedure will be initiated once the animal has been detected outside of the shutdown zone or 30 minutes has passed since the animal was last detected. If a Schedule 1 beaked whale is detected during the 20 minute ramp-up procedure, a new ramp-up procedure will not be initiated until 60 minutes have passed or the animal has been detected outside the shutdown zone. 4. REPORTING A daily field report will be provided to Shell and will consist of daily visual and acoustic summaries prepared by the Lead MMO. The information provided within the daily status report will include: information on numbers and types of marine mammals and sea turtles detected (visually and acoustically (when possible )) during periods with and without airgun activity; date and time of detections; positional data of sightings and acoustic detections, where possible; monitoring effort during periods with and without airgun activity; and summaries of applied mitigation measures. A Final Report will also be prepared documenting the final results of the Marine Mammal Observer Program. It will consist of the consolidation of all daily visual and acoustic information recorded, as outlined above. Shell will report the final results of the Marine Mammal Observer Program (visual and acoustic data) to the CNSOPB within 30 days following the completion of the Program. Following the Program, a copy of the Marine Mammal Observer report will also be provided to DFO. Document # EP February 29, 2016 Revision 02R Unrestricted

29 Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project 5. REFERENCES CEAA (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency) Decision Statement issued under Section 54 of Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, Issued to Shell Canada Limited for the Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project. Issued 15 June 2015 by the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment. Available online at: DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) Statement of Canadian Practice with respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment. Available online at: LGL (LGL Limited) Environmental assessment of Shell Canada Ltd. s Shelburne Basin 3-D Seismic Survey. LGL Rep. SA1175. Rep. by LGL Limited, St. John s, NL and Mahone Bay, NS, for Shell Canada Limited, Calgary, AB. 127p + appendices. Shell (Shell Canada Limited) Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project, Environmental Protection Plan. Prepared by C. Cook-Ohryn and L. Smandych, Shell Canada. Shell Document No. EP p. + appendices. Stantec (Stantec Consulting Ltd.) Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project Environmental Impact Statement. Volume 1: EIS Document. Prepared for Shell Canada Limited. Document # EP February 29, 2016 Revision 02R Unrestricted

30 Appendix A: Statement of Canadian Practice with respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment

31 Statement of Canadian Practice with respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment Context The Statement of Canadian Practice with respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment specifies the mitigation requirements that must be met during the planning and conduct of marine seismic surveys, in order to minimize impacts on life in the oceans. These requirements are set out as minimum standards, which will apply in all non-ice covered marine waters in Canada. The Statement complements existing environmental assessment processes, including those set out in settled land claims. The current regulatory system will continue to address protection of the health and safety of offshore workers and ensure that seismic activities are respectful of interactions with other ocean users. Definitions Cetacean: means a whale, dolphin or porpoise. Critical habitat: means the habitat that is necessary for the survival or recovery of a listed wildlife species and that is identified as the species' critical habitat in the recovery strategy or in an action plan for the species. Marine Mammal Observer: means an individual trained to identity different species of marine mammals and turtles that may reasonably be expected to be present in the area where the seismic survey will take place. Marine mammals: means all cetaceans and pinnipeds. Passive Acoustic Monitoring: means a technology that may be used to detect the subsea presence of vocalizing cetaceans. Pinniped: means a seal, sea lion or walrus. Ramp-up: means the gradual increase in emitted sound levels from a seismic air source array by systematically turning on the full complement of an array s air sources over a period of time. Seismic air source: means an air source that is used to generate acoustic waves in a seismic survey. Seismic air source array(s): means one or a series of devices designed to release compressed air into the water column in order to create an acoustical energy pulse to penetrate the seafloor. Seismic survey: means a geophysical operation that uses a seismic air source to generate acoustic waves that propagate through the earth, are reflected from or refracted along subsurface layers of the earth, and are subsequently recorded. Statement : means the Statement of Canadian Practice for the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment. Whale: means a cetacean that is not a dolphin or porpoise. Application 1. Unless otherwise provided, the mitigation measures set out in this Statement apply to all seismic surveys planned to be conducted in Canadian marine waters and which propose to use an air source array(s).

32 2. The mitigation measures set out in this Statement do not apply to seismic surveys conducted: a. on ice-covered marine waters; or b. in lakes or the non-estuarine portions of rivers. Planning Seismic Surveys Mitigation Measures 3. Each seismic survey must be planned to: a. use the minimum amount of energy necessary to achieve operational objectives; b. minimize the proportion of the energy that propagates horizontally; and c. minimize the amount of energy at frequencies above those necessary for the purpose of the survey. 4. All seismic surveys must be planned to avoid: a. a significant adverse effect for an individual marine mammal or sea turtle of a species listed as endangered or threatened on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act; and b. a significant adverse population-level effect for any other marine species. 5. Each seismic survey must be planned to avoid: a. displacing an individual marine mammal or sea turtle of a species listed as endangered or threatened on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act from breeding, feeding or nursing; b. diverting an individual migrating marine mammal or sea turtle of a species listed as endangered or threatened on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act from a known migration route or corridor; c. dispersing aggregations of spawning fish from a known spawning area; d. displacing a group of breeding, feeding or nursing marine mammals, if it is known there are no alternate areas available to those marine mammals for those activities, or that if by using those alternate areas, those marine mammals would incur significant adverse effects; and e. diverting aggregations of fish or groups of marine mammals from known migration routes or corridors if it is known there are no alternate migration routes or corridors, or that if by using those alternate migration routes or corridors, the group of marine mammals or aggregations of fish would incur significant adverse effects. Safety Zone and Start-up Mitigation Measures 6. Each seismic survey must: a. establish a Safety Zone which is a circle with a radius of at least 500 m as measured from the centre of the air source array(s); and b. for all times the Safety Zone is visible:

33 i. a qualified Marine Mammal Observer must continuously observe the safety zone for a minimum period of 30 minutes prior to the start-up of the air source array(s), and ii. maintain a regular watch of the Safety Zone at all other times if the proposed seismic survey is of a power that it would meet a threshold requirement for an assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, regardless of whether the Act applies. 7. If the full extent of the Safety Zone is visible, before starting or restarting an air source array(s) after they have been shut-down for more than 30 minutes, the following conditions and processes apply: a. none of the following have been observed by the Marine Mammal Observer within the Safety Zone for at least 30 minutes: i. a cetacean or sea turtle; ii. a marine mammal listed as endangered or threatened on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act; or iii. based on the considerations set out in sub-section 4(b), any other marine mammal that has been identified in an environmental assessment process as a species for which there could be significant adverse effects; and b. a gradual ramp-up of the air source array(s) over a minimum of a 20 minute period beginning with the activation of a single source element of the air source array(s), preferably the smallest source element in terms of energy output and a gradual activation of additional source elements of the air source array(s) until the operating level is obtained. Shut-down of Air Source Array(s) Mitigation Measures 8. The air source array(s) must be shut down immediately if any of the following is observed by the Marine Mammal Observer in the Safety Zone: a. a marine mammal or sea turtle listed as endangered or threatened on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act; or b. based on the considerations set out in sub-section 4(b), any other marine mammal or sea turtle that has been identified in an environmental assessment process as a species for which there could be significant adverse effects. Line Changes and Maintenance Shut-downs Mitigation Measures 9. When seismic surveying (data collection) ceases during line changes, for maintenance or for other operational reasons, the air source array(s) must be: a. shut down completely; or b. reduced to a single source element. 10. If the air source array(s) is reduced to a single source element as per subsection 9(b), then:

34 a. visual monitoring of the Safety Zone as set out in section 6 and shut-down requirements as set out in section 8 must be maintained; but b. ramp-up procedures as set out in section 7 will not be required when seismic surveying resumes. Operations in Low Visibility Mitigation Measures 11. Under the conditions set out in this section, cetacean detection technology, such as Passive Acoustic Monitoring, must be used prior to ramp-up for the same time period as for visual monitoring set out in section 6. Those conditions are as follows: a. the full extent of the Safety Zone is not visible; and b. the seismic survey is in an area that: i. has been identified as critical habitat for a vocalizing cetacean listed as endangered or threatened on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act, or ii. in keeping with the considerations set out in sub-section 4(b), has been identified through an environmental assessment process as an area where a vocalizing cetacean is expected to be encountered if that vocalizing cetacean has been identified through the environmental assessment process as a species for which there could be significant adverse effects. 12. If Passive Acoustic Monitoring or similar cetacean detection technology is used in accordance with the provision of section 11, unless the species can be identified by vocal signature or other recognition criteria: a. all non-identified cetacean vocalizations must be assumed to be those of whales named in sections 8(a) or (b); and b. unless it can be determined that the cetacean(s) is outside the Safety Zone, the ramp-up must not commence until non-identified cetacean vocalizations have not been detected for a period of at least 30 minutes. Additional Mitigative Measures and Modifications Mitigation Measures 13. Persons wishing to conduct seismic surveys in Canadian marine waters may be required to put in place additional or modified environmental mitigation measures, including modifications to the area of the Safety Zone and/or other measures as identified in the environmental assessment of the project to address: a. the potential for chronic or cumulative adverse environmental effects of i. multiple air source arrays (e.g., two vessels on one project; multiple projects), or ii. seismic surveys being carried out in combination with other activities adverse to marine environmental quality in the area affected by the proposed program or programs; and

35 b. variations in sound propagation levels within the water column, including factors such as seabed, geomorphologic, and oceanographic characteristics that affect sound propagation; c. sound levels from air source array(s) that are significantly lower or higher than average; and d. species identified in an environmental assessment process for which there is concern, including those described in sub-section 4b. 14. Variations to some or all of the measures set out in this Statement may be allowed provided the alternate mitigation or precautionary measures will achieve an equivalent or greater level of environmental protection to address the matters outlined in sections 6 through 13 inclusive. Where alternative methods or technologies are proposed, they should be evaluated as part of the environmental assessment of the project. 15. Where a single source element is used and the ramping up from an individual air source element to multiple elements is not applicable, the sound should still be introduced gradually whenever technically feasible.

36 Appendix B: Marine Mammal Observer Capsule Résumés

37 Joseph Beland, M.M.M., has been an environmental consultant with LGL since 2007 and he specializes in marine mammal and noise issues and is based in Dartmouth, NS. He has been involved in numerous monitoring studies designed to assess the effects of seismic noise on marine mammals. This involved serving as a MMO, PAM operator, and crew leader during vessel-based seismic surveys in the Beaufort Sea (U.S. and Canadian), Chukchi Sea, NW Pacific Ocean (Shatsky Rise, approximately 1600 km east of Japan), South China Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and near the Endeavor Marine Protected Area off of British Columbia in the NE Pacific Ocean. Joseph was also an MMO during seven geophysical survey in the NW Atlantic from During those surveys, he implemented mitigation measures as described under the Statement of Canadian Practice. Another aspect of his work involved coordinating logistics for Protected Species Observers (PSOs) in Alaska, as well as training Inupiat observers and PSOs to become marine mammal monitors on board seismic vessels. Joseph has been the co-author of several of the seismic monitoring reports for these projects. He also prepares permit applications pertaining to the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act and EAs of marine seismic surveys (including Shell s Shelburne Basin 3-D seismic survey offshore Nova Scotia). Joseph earned a Master s degree at Dalhousie University, where he wrote his graduate project on the effects of seismic exploration on cetaceans with a focus on the comparison of mitigation measures used during seismic surveys in the U.S. and those proposed for Canada. Prior to earning his Master s degree in Marine Management, Joseph worked as a MMO for Lamont- Doherty Earth Observatory s (L-DEO) geophysical research vessel, the Maurice Ewing. During his time with L-DEO, he served as a MMO and PAM operator during vessel-based seismic surveys in the North Pacific, Bering Sea, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Eastern Tropical Pacific. Anthony L. Lang, Ph.D., is a Senior Biologist and is an experienced MMO. Tony has 20 years of experience in environmental consulting, including 13 years with LGL. Nine years of this experience has been with marine mammal and seabird monitoring of seismic exploration, and impact assessment and mitigation planning of offshore oil and gas developments. He provides expertise in the identification, ecology, behaviour, and acoustic communication in marine mammals and seabirds. He has conducted field studies on the Laurentian Sub-basin, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Grand Banks, and Orphan Basin off Newfoundland, Labrador, the Greenland Sea, the Canadian Arctic, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Illinois, and Germany. His recent projects include marine mammal and seabird monitoring during 12 seismic exploration programs on Laurentian Sub-basin, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Orphan Basin, Jeanne d Arc Basin, and the Greenland Sea for Chevron, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Husky Energy, Petro-Canada, Statoil, and GXT. This monitoring included the implementation of mitigation measures for marine mammals and sea turtles under the Statement of Canadian Practice. When performing seabird observer duties he conducts systematic seabird observations based on the CWS standardized protocol for pelagic seabird surveys. During the course of the seismic monitoring programs Tony has participated in, he has trained biologists, fisheries liaison officers

38 (FLOs), and master mariners in marine mammal identification, monitoring, and mitigation measures. He has collaborated in the preparation of 10 seismic monitoring reports for Statoil, ExxonMobil, Petro-Canada, Husky Energy, GXT, and NWest Energy. Other projects include environmental assessment of impacts of oil/gas seismic exploration, exploratory drilling, and production on seabirds and marine mammals, a descriptive summary of the seabirds of the Labrador Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem, as well as Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) of offshore southern and western Newfoundland oil and gas use for the C-NLOPB.

39 Appendix C: Passive Acoustic Monitoring System Details

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