Otway Basin, Marine Mammal Monitoring Program – 2021 – 2023 (ConocoPhillips)

During 2021, Fathom Pacific was contracted by exploration and production company, ConocoPhillips to conduct aerial and land-based surveys for marine mammals within two petroleum titles, and along offshore continental slope waters off the western Victorian coast. These surveys were designed to inform impact assessment and mitigation considerations in the development of an Environment Plan for exploration activities.  The results of this study provided contemporary context on the temporal and spatial distribution of marine mammals in the region.  Twelve cetacean species were conclusively identified during aerial surveys, which included seven large whale species made up of: blue, southern right, humpback, sei, Bryde’s, fin and sperm whales. Comprehensive reporting was completed and formed a component of the final submission of ConocoPhillips’ environmental plan.

Visual summary of some of the findings: