Marine scientists from across the globe are joining a growing number of Floridians opposed to oil and gas exploration off the Atlantic coast.
In a letter made public Thursday, the 75 scientists warn the seismic testing would have a widespread and long-lasting impact on marine life.
Nine applications already have been submitted to conduct the testing from Delaware to Florida.
Scott Kraus of the New England Aquarium says each company wants its own proprietary information, meaning the region would be exposed to multiple explorations.
"Each acoustic blast, if you thought about it I guess a terrestrial analog would be like throwing a stick of dynamite into a suburban neighborhood every 10 seconds", said Kraus. "And never mind the damage from the explosion just think about the sound of that."
The Obama administration approved the testing last summer.
It could start as soon as later this year.
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