It’s been widely known that seismic testing can be fatal for whales and dolphins, however, new research tells us that it can also be catastrophic to plankton: the basis of life in our ocean. Seismic testing can also have disastrous follow-on effects to marine ecosystems and fisheries. Minke, fin, humpback, sperm and blue whales all call the Bight home, and it is also one of the world’s most significant southern right whale nurseries. In 2016, our expedition Operation Jeedara showcased what could be lost if it was turned into an oil field and a spill resulted.

Operation Jeedara 2018: Sea Shepherd returns to the Bight

This new campaign will continue the great work of Operation Jeedara. Visiting remote islands of the Investigator Group; Pearson Isles, Top Gallant, Ward and Flinders Island - this time taking our supporters beneath the waves to meet some of the incredible marine life that call this place home. Sea Shepherd, with marine scientists, will be conducting marine surveys inside the sanctuary zones, which is in recognition of the biodiversity that reside there, given that 85% of the marine life in the Bight is globally unique. Oil spills and seismic tests don’t respect sanctuary zones and it is Sea Shepherd’s hope that these marine surveys will reinforce the importance of these critical marine sanctuaries, for the benefit of future generations. 

Learn more about Operation Jeedara in 2016 by watching 'Jeedara: The Film' on iTunes.