BarentsPortal

The environmental risks of oil and gas development in the region have been evaluated several times, and is a key environmental question facing the region. The focus of the debate is the risk of an accidental oil-spill during exploration or production. The consequences of such a spill depend on the activity, the location, time and potential exposure of environmental valuable species and areas. One of the environmental risks from future oil production can be associated with potential activities witch might influence near-shore areas, especially in ecologically valuable areas like the Lofoten-Islands, the Polar front, Pechora Sea. In addition, the Polar Front is also a sensitive area.