Environment Index

**NEW** UK Benthos Database Version 3.0 Please click on the link below to download the UK Benthos Database.  Please note that due to the large file size, this will take some time to download. - File Size 17 Mb In order to view these files you will require WinZip software. If you do not WinZip installed on your machine, then you can obtain an evaluation version from the WinZip web site. Please click on the link below to download the software: UK Benthos Database of offshore benthic environmental surveys in the UK sector of the North Sea Introduction A comprehensive review of seabed environmental surveys has been commissioned by Oil & Gas UK to document and analyse data collected from offshore environmental surveys carried out on the behalf of UK North Sea offshore oil operators. The purpose of these environmental surveys is to monitor the seabed in the vicinity of offshore operations with the aim of detecting environmental impact. It is estimated that some 520 seabed surveys were carried out between 1975 and 1998, covering work carried out by approximately 29 environmental monitoring contractors, government agencies and universities. 472 reports have been located, examined and listed in the database. The Oil & Gas UK seabed environmental review was carried out in three phases. Phase 1 consisted of the compilation of an inventory of surveys carried out in the UK sector. Phase 2 involved the production of database files containing detailed biological, chemical and locational data. Phase 3 examines the extent of contamination from offshore E&P activities and impacts on the biota, and will attempt to determine any large-scale trends over wider geographical areas. This final phase was completed in April 2001, and the published report was made available.  The database has now been updated for December 2004. Order a Copy of the Database It is possible to order a complete copy of the database free of charge from our Publications section on CD ROM. UK Offshore Oil & Gas Environmental Surveys This report has been produced as fulfilment of Phase 3 of a project commissioned by the Oil & Gas UK to provide a comprehensive review of seabed environmental surveys carried out by, or on behalf of the UK North Sea offshore operators. For more information, please go to UK Offshore Oil & Gas Environmental Surveys.