In addition to spatial constraints, four specialist marine fauna observers will be mandated onboard exploration vessels to oversee real-time compliance with environmental protocols, complementing inspections conducted by the Ministry of Environment. Underwater noise levels, a key impact vector of seismic surveying, will be monitored continuously to verify adherence to modeled acoustic thresholds. This represents a doubling of previous protective measures designed to conserve biodiversity and mitigate risks to key species.
The government also introduced a prohibition on conducting seismic surveys repeatedly in the same location within a five-year span, reducing cumulative environmental stress. Compensation mechanisms are stipulated in cases where seismic activities demonstrably reduce commercial fishery catches, reflecting recognition of socioeconomic impacts on coastal communities.
Despite these measures, environmental organizations remain opposed, citing concerns over the potential long-term ecological, economic, and social consequences of offshore hydrocarbon exploration. The Ministry of Environment has committed to ongoing dialogue and transparency, emphasizing that current activities constitute preliminary exploration to assess reserves, with subsequent exploitation decisions contingent upon national consensus and further regulatory scrutiny.
The government’s approach aims to attract foreign investment under strict environmental governance, relying on data-driven and precautionary principles to manage seismic exploration while signaling Uruguay’s intention to lead in marine fauna protection within the Latin American oil and gas sector.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
