Preliminary surveys of marine mammals and seabirds were carried out at the FORCE test site in July and October 2008 as part of geophysical cruises to the area, to obtain information on occurrence and species composition. A comprehensive survey program was established in 2009, with single day-long seabird surveys conducted in June, July, August and September 2009 to provide additional baseline information for the assessment of potential impacts and for the development of an environmental monitoring program for the project, a condition for the Environmental approval for the project obtained in September 2009. 

 Authors: Patrick L. Stewart and Fulton L. Lavender, Envirosphere Consultants Limited