Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Good Practice Guidance for Oil and Gas Operations in Marine Environments.

Abstract

Our oceans produce more than half of the oxygen in our atmosphere, as well as absorbing carbon. Over three billion people depend on marine resources for food, and the coastal environment supports the livelihoods of more than 200 million people. Marine habitats make a vital contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem services, but are facing growing threats from pollution and infrastructure development. As energy demands rise, oil and gas companies are focusing increasingly on offshore reserves, placing additional pressure on the marine environment. Offshore oil and gas developments and their effects on marine biodiversity and ecosystem services are, quite rightly, subject to increasing scrutiny at local, national and international levels, with the result that reputational, operational and financial risk are a growing concern for the oil and gas industry. Until now, however, guidelines on how to apply, monitor and enable industry standards and policy have been conspicuously lacking. With this in mind, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) has now produced comprehensive guidance that will help oil and gas sector operators to minimise their impact on marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. This is the first guidance document to address the impact of oil and gas extraction specifically in the marine environment, and it will prove invaluable in enabling the industry to operate in an environmentally responsible manner.