Oil exploration and production: impact on the North Sea

Abstract

From the Abstract: “The recent and considerable oil exploration and production now underway in the waters of the North Sea has drawn attention to potential biological effects. Primary concerns are the maintenance of commercial fisheries, the general health of marine life in the North Sea, and, more locally, whether effects occur in individual oilfields which are sufficiently serious to warrant more stringent controls or costly remedial action. Current levels of impact are identified, and potential future trends outlined. To date the North Sea accident record is exemplary, and governments and oil companies have taken and are taking a responsible approach to assessing impacts and monitoring. Whilst localized effects are manifest in most oilfields, no widespread effects have been seen and the available evidence suggests that none are likely. Nevertheless, the 200 or so offshore installations in the North Sea at present, combined with continuing exploration, changing inputs of contaminants in existing fields, and our ignorance of the basic functioning of marine systems, suggests that it would be foolish indeed to become complacent. Continued biological and chemical monitoring in the oilfields, backed up by appropriate field and experimental research to improve monitoring procedures and our understanding of impacts should preclude any danger of damage going undetected or becoming unacceptable. The requirements for future research are briefly outlined.”