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Offshore data acquisition in shallow water: challenges and opportunities


The acquisition of geophysical data, in particular conventional marine seismic, in areas of shallow water (<20 m) has always been challenging in terms of cost, quality and permitting. A heightened sensitivity about the possible environmental impact of conventional marine seismic has made achieving environmental approval of marine seismic activity in water depths up to 60 m challenging in Australia. In this paper, a suggestion is made to re-frame permit work programs around in-permit mobilisations where impact to the exploration assessment is maximised, and environmental disturbance is minimised. This approach will be illustrated through a discussion of (1) recent approved Australian environmental plans and water depth issues and a good practice approach to permitting of shallow water seismic acquisition using the Zenaide 3D and Bethany 3D as examples, and (2) alternatives to conventional marine seismic acquisition, including an articulation of the technical strengths and weaknesses alongside a consideration of alternative approaches from an environmental, work program and regulatory point of view.
