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The main factor that is the cause of the species being eligible for listing in the Vulnerable category is its small population size due to being severely impacted by whaling last century and most of this decline occurred in the southern hemisphere. An updated global population assessment indicated that the global population of mature sei whales was estimated to have declined by about 80% over the previous three generation period (-70 years) with no direct evidence of recent increase in the population.

Balaenoptera physalus (fin whale) is listed as vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity conservation act of 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC Act). The species is eligible for listing as culnerable as, prior to the commencement of the EPBS Act, it was listed as vulnerable under schedule 1 of the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 (Cwlth)

Seismic surveying is widely used in the marine environment to define and analyse subsurface geological structures, mainly by the oil and gas exploration and production industry. Seismic surveying utilises a technique that directs acoustic energy (sound) into the rock beneath the sea floor from equipment towed behind a purpose-built seismic vessel.

Sound is very important to whales and dolphins for effective hunting, navigation and communication. Toothed whales and dolphins (e.g killer whales and bottle nose dolphins) use natural sonar system (echolocation) for hunting and navigating Baleen whales (e.g humpback and blue whales) use sound for communicating over long distances by producing a series of sounds which are frequently termed songs.