Study: Mediterranean marine life under immediate threat from hydrocarbon exploration and extraction
Seismic surveys and hydrocarbon extraction pose significant threats to marine life in the Mediterranean, according to a new scientific publication in the journal Ethics in Science and Environmental Politics https://www.int-res.com/journals/esep/articles/esep00233.
The study, conducted by an international team of marine biologists, highlights widespread impacts on marine megafauna, particularly whales and dolphins. Reported effects include physical harm such as hearing damage and chronic stress, behavioral changes affecting feeding and resting patterns, as well as incidents of strandings and mortality.
Particular concern is raised over the use of airguns in seismic surveys, which emit powerful low-frequency sounds capable of traveling up to 4,000 kilometers. Since cetaceans rely heavily on sound for communication, navigation, and feeding, such noise pollution can severely disrupt their survival.
The research also focuses on the Hellenic Trench, a biodiversity hotspot in the Mediterranean, where hydrocarbon activities have been approved near Marine Protected Areas.
At the same time, environmental organizations, including ClientEarth, WWF Greece, and Greenpeace filed a complaint with the European Commission in 2023, alleging violations of EU environmental law. The case remains ongoing.
According to the publication, environmental impact assessments for these projects are considered inadequate, relying on incomplete or outdated data and underestimating risks to endangered species. The organizations are calling on the European Commission to take action to ensure compliance with EU law and safeguard marine biodiversity.
For more information:
Greenpeace Greece: Kostas Kaloudis, Climate and Energy Campaign Manager, costas.kaloudis@greenpeace.org, +30 698 461 7034
WWF Greece: Hristi Sotiriou, Press and Public Relations Officer, c.sotiriou@wwf.gr, +30 697 741 9972
