Effect of Deep-Sea Drilling on Sustainability of Deep-Sea Ecosystems

Funding: 2007: $250,000
2008: $214,000
2009: $25,118

Project Member(s): Booth, D.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Research Council (ARC Linkage Projects)
Santos Ltd
WOODSIDE ENERGY LIMITED (Woodside Energy Partnership Fund)

Start year: 2007

Summary: Offshore oil and gas production makes a significant contribution to the Australian economy and enhances our energy security. Australia's vast deep-sea reserves of hydrocarbons lie on the NW Shelf and in Bass Strait, ecological 'hot spots' that are extremely vulnerable to the impact of exploration, extraction and production. Using deep-sea equipment, we will conduct the field experiments that are essential to understanding these ecosystems and the impact of deep-sea structures. Our advances will produce data and develop methodologies that will make Australia a world leader in reconciling our deep-sea energy and environmental needs.

FOR Codes: Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology), Physical Oceanography, Exploration, Primary mining and extraction processes

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.