Community rallies as seismic blasting approved off Dongara coast, sparking fears for marine & local fisheries

Community concern over plans for seismic blasting off the Dongara coast will take centre stage on Friday, with residents gathering for a sundowner and film night hosted by Dongara Against Seismic Blasting. The event comes after the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) approved Pilot Energy’s proposal to conduct a major seismic survey 6km offshore. The evening will feature a screening of Southern Blast, a Surfrider Australia documentary about the effects of seismic blasting, followed by a panel discussion with commercial fisherman Michael Butcher, DASB organiser Cassandra Eva and Conservation Council of WA campaigner Greta Carroll. Ms Eva said the community had been left uninformed about the scale and potential impact of the project, which involved firing high-powered airgun blasts every 10 seconds to map potential offshore oil and gas reserves. “We live in a small community that loves the ocean, and our identity is centred around it.,” she said. “Many residents have been left in the dark on this proposal, and we feel that Pilot Energy didn’t do a good enough job regarding community/public consultation.” She noted the company has since indicated the project has been delayed until 2027-28, with public consultation expected next year. Commercial fishers fear long-term ecological consequences, particularly around Leander Reef. “I’m a commercial fisherman, so the blasting will affect me and my stocks. But it’s not just Western Rock Lobster that will be affected, it’s all the species that can’t move out of the way, like crabs,” said Michael Butcher, vice-president of the Dongara Professional Fishermen’s Association. “The impacts of this blasting will likely be felt for years to come.” Greta Carroll, from the Conservation Council of WA, said approving the seismic work so close to a key fishing area was deeply disappointing. “Seismic blasting has been shown to injure, kill and displace marine animals. It has devastating impacts on marine life,” she said. “Here we have yet another decision that prioritises industry export plans and shareholder profits over local communities, local economies and the climate.” The event will be held from 5.30pm on Friday, December 5, at Port Denison Volunteer Search and Rescue.