Santos Offshore Pty Ltd (Santos) is the operator of exploration permit WA-459-P within Commonwealth waters off northern Western Australia. Santos proposes to undertake the Fishburn 3 dimensional (3D) seismic survey over this permit area. The Fishburn survey is a typical 3D survey using methods and procedures similar to others conducted in Australian waters. No unique or unusual equipment or operations are proposed.
The survey acquisition area is approximately 600 km2 with a larger operational area (3,150 km2) around it to allow for vessel turn-arounds and testing of equipment. The survey location is approximately 330 km west-south-west from Darwin and approximately 60 km from the closest point to land at Cape Rulhieres in the Kimberley region. The survey will take a maximum of 21 days and will be undertaken within the period of 15 June and 1 August 2017. This timing has been selected as it is outside the Northern Prawn Fishery season.A modification has been made to the shape of the survey area where the seismic acquisition will occur. The area will remain within the 600 km2 and within the broader operational area.