Montara oil spill

Operational, or Type we, tracking is done during a response to an oil spill occasion. It is focused on offering information of use in planning or carrying out the response and provides data in a time-frame that's functional in that framework. The environmental monitoring program outlines five working monitoring researches.

Scientific tracking studies

Scientific, or Type II, tracking is focused on non-response targets like estimating environmental damage and post reaction data recovery. Scientific tracking studies might undertaken over extended periods.

Utilization of the medical tracking element of environmentally friendly monitoring plan is managed by PTTEP Australasia in consultation using the division, and attracting on the advice of a Specialized Advisory Group. Specific scientific studies are done by contracted organizations, establishments, federal government companies or other parties. The environmental monitoring plan outlines seven systematic tracking scientific studies.

Two reports created underneath the ecological monitoring program have actually already been completed and they are available these days:

That which was the aim of the study?

This study aimed to quantify the clear presence of ocean snakes and marine turtles in areas of the Sahul Shelf that were potentially impacted by the Montara oil spill.

Exactly how had been the study applied?

Two surveys had been conducted (2012 and 2013) at six reefs in the Sahul Shelf area; three among these (Ashmore Reef, Cartier Island and Hibernia Reef) had been considered to have likely been relying on the Montara spill (considering operational tracking at the time of the spill), whilst other three reefs (Scott Reef, Seringapatam Reef and Browse Island) were regarded as unimpacted. An additional ‘unimpacted’ reef (Montgomery Reef) was surveyed in 2013.

Researchers evaluated sea-snake communities using a selection of direct observance techniques including manta board, snorkel, watercraft and base transects, and spotlighting. Aquatic turtles had been observed on reefs during manta board and watercraft transects. Blood samples had been gathered from foraging water turtles at one ‘impacted’ web site (Ashmore Reef) and another ‘unimpacted’ website (Montgomery Reef) to research prospective contamination of diet. Turtle nesting activity was also recorded at internet sites with countries and cays. Additionally, shores, coral reefs and seagrass beds had been examined for almost any evidence of hydrocarbon contamination.

Information collected during these surveys ended up being when compared with information collected during earlier scientific studies (before the Montara spill).

Exactly what did the analysis discover?

There isn't any evidence of the Montara spill having a long term impact on sea snakes or marine turtles in Sahul Shelf area, though the minimal standard information, specially on sea snake communities, preclude ruling out any effect. The study highlighted the dynamic nature of sea snake communities in the region. There was clearly no proof hydrocarbon residue on shores, coral reefs or seagrass bedrooms at any of the study web sites.