Marine researchers critical of plans for world’s northernmost oil field
The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research argues that Equinor’s Wisting project would pose a threat to marine life along the ice edge.
"We are critical and believe there are several issues that Equinor needs to incorporate into its plan and address more effectively," says Monica Sanden, Head of Research at the Institute of Marine Research.
The institute has submitted a response to Equinor’s plans for the Wisting field in the Barents Sea. If developed, Wisting would be the northernmost oil field in the world.
In June this year, the Norwegian oil company submitted a proposed environmental impact assessment programme for public consultation.
Wisting is located about 300 km north of the Norwegian mainland and about 50 km south of what is considered the Arctic sea ice edge.
The researchers fear that the industrial activities could affect the vulnerable marine life in the area. The ice edge is not a fixed zone but a dynamic area that will vary considerably over the 30 years of planned activity at Wisting, they argue.
"We recommend that the impact assessment makes a clear distinction between the formally defined ‘ice edge zone’ and the actual, dynamic ice edge," says Sanden.
"An oil spill in this area could have consequences for several important plankton species and fish stocks. This is particularly the case if oil were to drift with the ice into spawning and nursery grounds," the researchers add.
The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research is one of the largest marine research institutes in Europe, with around 1,030 staff.
Several environmental organisations have also expressed scepticism about the project.
"It is deeply regrettable that Equinor wishes to proceed with the Wisting field," a statement by WWF Norway reads. "Developing this oil field—which will be the world’s northernmost—will place unique, productive, and vulnerable ecosystems under severe pressure, and an oil spill here would be catastrophic," the statement adds.
WWF Norway has joined forces with nine other environmental organisations to protest against the plans.
"The development also contravenes the 1.5-degree target to which Norway has committed itself, and which the majority in the Storting believes should guide publicly owned companies, including Equinor. In light of this, the undersigned organisations believe that Equinor must halt this project. Should Equinor nevertheless choose to proceed with the environmental impact assessment, we ask that our comments be taken into account. The proposed programme for the environmental impact assessment appears inadequate, particularly given the exceptionally high risks involved for Wisting," the organisations emphasise.
