Halifax Chronicle Herald Fisheries groups in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence are insisting on a full review of how tests for oil and gas in the area will affect fish stocks. It plans to begin work next fall. Seismic work involves sound blasts from air guns. The sound waves kill everything within a few metres. Up to 20 air guns are towed in arrays up to 30 metres wide and are fired every 10-12 seconds over a grid for hundreds of kilometres.
Opponents say the noise disturbs fish behaviour, disrupts migration patterns and reduces catches.
Percy Hayne of Merigomish, president of the Gulf Nova Scotia fleet planning board, said Tuesday that giving his group and others a role in the seismic study process is senseless because the test areas have already been parceled out. Few such studies exist, the board was told during Georges Bank moratorium hearings last year. Mike Belliveau, executive director of the fishermen's union, said they oppose all seismic testing because the impact, especially on juvenile stocks, is unknown. However, there's a large difference between the two cases, says Mr. MacLellan. We welcome your feedback.