The Ocean City Town Council says no to a plan to drill for oil and gas in along the coast.
In addition, the resort approved a resolution that also opposes seismic airgun surveys in the nearby waters.
The Salisbury Daily Times reports that the council said it had concerns about how it would affect the recreational fishing industry as well tourism.
The states of Maryland and Delaware have both called on the federal government to exclude them from the drilling areas.
Virginia has said yes, and there are fears that an oil spill could reach the Maryland and Delaware coastlines.
Environmental Reaction
Statement from Assatague Coastal Trust which opposes off shore drilling.
After several months of meetings between Assateague Coastal Trust and Ocean City officials, on Monday, September 21st, the Ocean City Mayor and City Council unanimously voted to pass a resolution opposing offshore seismic surveys using air-guns and reaffirmed the Town’s opposition to offshore drilling. The Town’s actions came in response to a federal proposal released earlier this year that would allow offshore oil and gas development in the Mid and South Atlantic.
“This resolution is an important step for the Delmarva Coast,” said Matt Heim of Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT). Heim has been leading ACT’s efforts to raise awareness about the possibility of offshore drilling off the Delmarva Peninsula. “This federal proposal is probably the greatest threat the Atlantic coast has faced. Ocean City should be commended for taking action and standing up for our coastal waters. We hope other Delmarva towns and counties will take note and join Ocean City in the coming months.”
Of particular concern to the Town of Ocean City is the use of seismic air-guns which are used to map the seafloor for oil and gas deposits. These devices emit one of the loudest man-made noises on Earth. Vessels tow an array of air-guns, often consisting of 30 or more guns. The air-guns are fired every 10 seconds continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the duration of the mapping exercise which can be several weeks.
“By the companies that carry out the seismic surveys own admission, these air-guns will scare anything away that can get out of the way from our coast and fishing grounds,” said Terry McGean, City Engineer for Ocean City. Heim added that, “studies have shown dramatic drops in harvests in fisheries where seismic air-guns have been employed.”
There also is a concern about the impact to marine mammals who heavily rely on sound for communication. A group of over 50 marine scientist recently sent a letter to the Obama administration urging the president not to allow air-gun use in the Atlantic due to concerns over the impacts to marine mammals, particularly the critically endangered Atlantic right whale.
Local groups attending the City Council meeting to show support for the Resolution included the MD Saltwater Sportfishing Association, Oceana, Surfrider, and the Assateague COASTKEEPER. Ocean City joins nearly 90 other municipalities along the East Coast that have passed resolutions opposing seismic air-gun use and offshore drilling. It is the first municipality in Maryland or Delmarva to pass a resolution.
More information about the BOEM offshore oil leasing program, and information about seismic blasting oil exploration can be found at www.ActForBays.org
