One of the world's most important ecosystems for birds is currently at risk from seismic surveying without proper assessment of environmental impacts.
America's Arctic is an ecologically critical landscape for aquatic birdlife, holding one of the richest areas of wetlands in the circumpolar Arctic. The Arctic Coastal Plain alone is estimated to be the breeding grounds for almost 7 million waterbirds and is vital to other migratory species and to Indigenous communities.
The Arctic Refuge and Western Arctic (NPR-A) are currently facing intense pressure from oil and gas exploration and development, including seismic surveying, reduced environmental impact assessments, and expedited approvals for permits. These actions are putting many species and their habitats at risk of potentially permanent damage.
Watch the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s full 8-minute video that explains how seismic surveys detect reserves deep underground — and how current practices risk large-scale impacts to wildlife and habitat.
