The most recent survey conducted in federal waters of the Santa Barbara Channel using airgun technology was that of Exxon Company, U.S.A. in 1995. In 1988, the State Lands Commission determined that an EIR must be prepared to address potential environmental impacts of high-energy geophysical surveys before any new permits for such work could be issued in state waters. As part of its goal, the HESS Team prepared several guidance documents. Among them is a HESS Review Process Report that outlines the permit processes of those agencies with direct jurisdiction over seismic survey activities. With the assistance of national experts in marine mammal physiology, marine acoustics and geophysical survey work, the Team compiled a series of Mitigation Guidelines for seismic testing to protect marine mammals from project related impacts.
Efforts are underway to begin the process before the end of the year.
An Executive Committee will continue to track developments in geophysical survey technologies, relevant marine mammal research, and mitigation strategies for consideration by the HESS Team annually. The HESS team includes representatives from local, state, and federal agencies, industry, geophysical contractors, and environmental groups.