The invention discloses a seismic detection apparatus and method. The apparatus comprises a focus controller, a launching head, a seismic cable, a host machine, a signal transmission cable, a signal acquisition towrope and a protective device. The focus controller is connected to the launching head through the seismic cable. The focus controller is positioned in a roundhouse. The launching head is arranged in water below a floating ice zone. The host machine is connected to the signal acquisition towrope through the signal transmission cable. The host machine is positioned in the roundhouse. The signal acquisition towrope is positioned in water below the floating ice zone. The host machine is used to generate control parameters of the focus controller. The seismic cable and the signal transmission cable both go through the internal portion of the protective device. The protective device is positioned at the stern. The upper end of the protective device is arranged in the air above the floating ice zone, and the lower end of the protective device is located in the water below the ice floating zone. Through adoption of the detection apparatus or method of the invention, damages to the seismic cable and the signal transmission cable by floating ice can be avoided; the risk of equipment loss and damages is reduced; the seismic detection in the floating ice zone is realized; and the accuracy and efficiency of the seismic detection are raised.