The UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA), working with the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) and the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO), has published a code of practice to help prevent conflicts of interest 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, and were prepared in consultation with a variety of UK shellfish groups and government organisations.
The potential for conflict has grown as the UK’s near-shore static gear fisheries have developed in economic importance at the same time as other shallow water activities, such as the laying of cables, oil and gas pipelines, wind farms and other developments, have increased.
The Code highlights offshore oil and gas projects that might affect static gear fisheries, such as offshore drilling and construction projects, seismic operations, pipeline installation and decommissioning activities, and suggests how conflicts can be avoided. It also gives guidelines for assessing compensation for loss of fishing resulting from these.
“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”, says Paul Dymond, UKOOA’s operations director.
Dave Bevan of NFFO adds, “The Code promotes closer working relationships between offshore oil and gas operators and static gear fishermen. It also encourages a responsible approach to resolving some highly sensitive issues. Hopefully, it will be widely used in 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 and believes it will greatly assist in maintaining continued co-operation between the two industries.”
The Code is available, free to download, from its website, www.oilandgas.org.uk.
