Water

Marine environment

Oil and gas fields in Atlantic Canada are located in historically important fishery areas. Commercial fishermen and members of the public are concerned about potential damage to the marine environment because of industry’s exploration and production activities.

• environmental monitoring
  As a condition of their operating approvals, all offshore oil and natural gas facilities must monitor and report environmental impacts on water quality, fish, seabirds and marine mammals.
  
  
• technologies
  Many technologies developed for the equally sensitive waters of the North Sea are proving useful as exploration and development proceeds in Atlantic Canada. Examples include new drilling fluids with reduced impact on the environment, and better treatment methods for drilling cuttings and produced water.
  
  
• fishing relations
  The offshore petroleum industry in Atlantic Canada works closely with fishing organizations to identify and resolve issues of mutual concern. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the ONE OCEAN group brings together the fishing community and industry representatives to promote improved communication and cooperation.