Thursday 27 July 2006

Guidelines Launched to Improve Relations Between Oil and Gas Industry and Near-Shore Fishermen

The UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA), working with the Scottish Fishermens Federation (SFF) and the National Federation of Fishermens Organisations (NFFO), has published a code of practice to help prevent conflicts of interest arising between near-shore fishermen and the offshore oil and gas industry. 

The guidelines have been drawn up specifically for fishermen who use "static gear" to pot for shellfish or net various marine species, including migratory salmon, within 50 miles of the shore. These were prepared in consultation with a variety of UK shellfish groups and government organisations.

The potential for conflict has grown over the years as the UK's near-shore static gear fisheries have developed in economic importance at the same time as the amount of other shallow water activities, such as the laying of cables, oil and gas pipelines, wind farms and other renewable energy developments have also increased.

The Code highlights offshore oil and gas projects that might affect or interact with static gear fisheries, such as offshore drilling and construction projects, seismic operations, pipeline installation and decommissioning activities, and suggests how conflicts of interest can be avoided.  It also provides guidelines for assessing compensation for loss of fishing as a result of these activities.  

"The oil and gas industry recognises that it has a responsibility to secure positive relations with all sea users and that it must give serious consideration to how best to protect the livelihood of fishermen when going about its activities.  This Code of Practice advises all involved on the best ways of achieving that aim", said Paul Dymond, UKOOAs operations director.

Dave Bevan of NFFO said: "The Static Gear Code of Practice promotes closer working relationships between offshore oil and gas operators and static gear fishermen. Furthermore, it encourages a responsible approach towards resolving some highly sensitive issues.  Hopefully, it will be widely used within all sectors of oil and gas exploration and development, and even adopted by other offshore industries, such as the wind energy sector."

Michael Sutherland of the SFF said: "The SFF welcomes the introduction of this Code of Practice and believes that the guidelines will greatly assist in maintaining continued co-operation between the two industries."

Notes to Editors

1. The UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) is the representative organisation for companies licensed by the British Government to explore for and produce hydrocarbons in UK waters.  It has 39 members. 
2. List of Organisations who responded to the Guideline consultation

• National Federation of Fishermens organisations
• Scottish Fishermens Federation
• Northern Island Fishermens Federation (NIFF)
• Salmon Net Fishing Association of Scotland (SNFAS)
• Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB)
• Association of Sea Fisheries Committees (ASFC) and local committees
• International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC)
• UK Cable Protection Committee (UKCPC)
• British Wind Energy Association (BWEA)
• DTI representatives on FOGG and FLOW
• SEERAD/SFPA
• MCA
• DEFRA (MFA)
• DARD Fisheries Division
• NFFO
• SFF
• NIFF
• CEFAS
• IAGC
• Fishing Safety Group, UKCPC
• MFA Humber and Wash
• South Devon and Channel Shellfisherman
• South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee
• Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committee
• North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee
• Northumberland Sea Fisheries Committee

For more information, please call 020 7802 2400.