Morgan Pritchard- Impact of an Oil Project on Whales

 I recently read a section of a book titled Impact of Sakhalin II phase 2 on western north Pacific gray whales and related biodiversity. Report of an independent scientific review panel for another class. In this book, the authors discuss a scientific review panel that was created to evaluate how Phase 2 of Sakhalin II, an integrated oil and gas project, impacts western gray whale conservation. It reviews research on the biology of these whales like the population numbers, reproduction, survival, patterns, and feeding grounds which can be used better to assess the risks of the oil and gas project. Risks include noise, collisions/ship strikes, oil exposure, physical disturbance, and habitat destruction say the authors. For example, the book states that gray whales can hear frequencies below 2kHz which causes concern due to the high noise level required for building Phase 2 of Sakhalin II. It states supply ships can be 100-400 Hz and tug and barge operations can reach 630 Hz. Loud noises could cause behavioral reactions like a change in swim speeds and orientations and a disturbance in feeding behavior. This risk of noise along with the other risks mentioned were discussed in the book as well with data. I thought this information was extremely interesting because I never considered how some of these risks would affect sea life. While watching the documentary on the fishing business we also mentioned how sound affects sea life. Information from this book can provide the science field with an understanding of the precautions needed when interfering both directly and indirectly with wildlife which makes it super important.

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