open for decades after clearing. The problem is exacerbated by repeat survey exercises over the same area. Subsequent damage to ecosystems follows.
Most significant and clearly visible from the air is the impact of seismic line cutting on the mangrove swamp... It is (the) aerial roots that are subject to the most cutting. Recovery of the cut roots takes 2-3 years, but re-growth of mangrove trees, to make the seismic line indistinguishable from the uncut areas, may take 30 years or more. SPDC fact book of 1993
Seismic Prospecting - Incoming Technicians and labour
Although the prospecting exercises typically last for only a few months, they involve large numbers of incoming labour.
The presence of large numbers of people in usually scarcely populated areas could disturb community life and/or fauna and could cause a waste problem. SPDC fact book of 1993
Seismic Prospecting - Short Term Local Employment
Although any sort of employment ought to be seen as an economic benefit, seismic prospecting exercises typically employ young men from the local community for a few weeks or months only, paying wages that are much higher than they are likely to ever find again. This exacerbates the feelings of discontent and inequality that the oil industry generally brings in its wake.
The main environmental issues: actions and problems (from an SPDC fact book of 1993):
| Issue | Actions | Problems |
| Seismic lines in mangroves | Minimising width lines; Mangrove Study to identify ecological impact and revegetation measures. |
1m width is absolute minimum; Many data on mangrove available but poor understanding of ecology. |
| Surveys in 'pristine' areas | Minimising impact of clearing (by hand, with/cut restrictions); EIA for these areas; Niger Delta Study to Address biodiversity/fauna distribution; Biodiversity database of sightings by seismic crews. |
Biodiversity and biogeographical data scanty or little accessible; Accessibility areas; Taxonomic problems |
