Hon. Sophie McNeill questions the Minister for Fisheries regarding the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's involvement in Pilot Energy's seismic blasting approval near Dongara, focusing on potential risks to fish and habitats. The Minister provides limited information and tables relevant reports.

AnsweredQoN 1050Legislative Council
Asked
13 November 2025
Portfolio
Fisheries

QuestionView source ↗

Seismic blasting
1050. Hon Sophie McNeill to the Minister for
Fisheries:
I refer to Pilot
Energy's recent federal approval to conduct seismic blasting 24 hours a day for
up to 40 days, six kilometres off the coast of Dongara and the associated environmental
plan that lists the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
as having been consulted.
(1) What information did the department provide to
the proponent?
(2) Did the department determine that seismic
blasting proposed any risk to the conservation of fish and fish habitats within
state boundaries, noting that this is a key area for rock lobster breeding and dhufish
spawning?
(3) Could the minister
please table any advice that was provided to the proponent?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) The Department of Primary Industries and
Regional Development provided the proponent with information relating to the
most recent scientific reports on the impact of marine seismic surveys.
(2) The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and
Environmental Management Authority considers these matters as part of its
assessment process.
(3) I table the reports.
(See paper 783 .)

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