On Thursday, ExxonMobil began seismic surveys in Crete and the Peloponnese for the exploration of natural gas fields, according to the Minister of Environment and Energy, Kostas Skrekas.
“He extends the cables that he drags with the headphones, where he receives a return of the waves to be able to determine the geological structures.”
The relevant NAVTEX, issued last Monday, provides that areas in the Ionian Sea, the Western Sea and west and east of Crete are reserved for the ship Nanco Swift to carry out equipment development and seismic surveys.
Based on their results, the consortium will decide whether to proceed with exploratory drilling or withdraw.
If the investigations are deemed satisfactory, EDEY estimates that natural gas production will begin in 2027.
Use of the ‘soft start’ protocol to ensure that marine mammals can be temporarily removed from the geophysical survey area before commencing.
Doubling marine mammal observers on research vessels conducting geophysical surveys to ensure protection of cetaceans and other marine life within the buffer zone.
Extending the radius of the minimum safety zone around the vessel conducting the geophysical surveys in case of detection of large marine animals.
30 minute waiting period before starting and stopping any exploration activity.
Passive acoustic monitoring of underwater sounds to measure marine noise levels to locate marine mammals.
Implementation of a 1 km exclusion zone around the Natura areas as well as the fish farms.
Aerial monitoring of cetaceans during and after surveys.
Full compliance with all applicable regulations and directives in accordance with MARPOL VI and ACCOBAMS conventions and JNCC guidelines.
