Marine Mammal Safety Radii

SHIPS received a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service which stipulates that safe distance of a marine mammal from the active airgun array depends on the mammal's species. Accordingly SHIPS will employ 11 experts in marine mammal biology--6 will be on the Thompson, with the airguns, and 5 will be on the Tully. At times one biologist will observe marine mammals from an airplane. These experts will identify the types of mammals near the ship and shut off the airgun array if a mammal ventures too closely.