Seismic testing begins in sensitive marine parks despite government claims

By Lisa Cox
Updated April 27 2015 - 8:08am, first published April 26 2015 - 6:02pm
Sanctuaries near the Abrolhos Islands are habitats for humpback whales, blue whales, sea lions, and the western rock lobster, says environment group Pew. Photo: Jonas Liebschner
Sanctuaries near the Abrolhos Islands are habitats for humpback whales, blue whales, sea lions, and the western rock lobster, says environment group Pew. Photo: Jonas Liebschner

Seismic testing to look for petroleum has begun in protected marine areas off the coast of Western Australia after permits were quietly granted by the Abbott government.