Polar researchers sceptical towards drilling
The Norwegian Polar Institute expresses scepticism with the recently announced Awards in Predefined Areas (APA). The researchers say the four blocks awarded in the Barents Sea are either located too close to the Arctic ice brim or in areas considered too vulnerable
The Norwegian Ministry of Oil and Energy last week offered an additional 18 Awards in Predefined Areas. Four of the blocks are located in the Barents Sea.
In a statement from the Polar Institute, the researchers say that one of the blocks is located far north and east, and that a spill in the area could pollute the Arctic ice brim in years with much ice.
The institute also expressed wariness with several of the other blocks offered to the oil industry.
Since the Norwegian management plan for the Barents Sea and the Lofoten waters was adopted in 2005, the areas considered ripe for drilling have stretched far into waters, which by the management plan are defined as specially vulnerable.
“The APA areas outside the Troms and Finnmark counties have been extended with 40 percent in size since the management plan came into effect in 2005”, the Polar Institute states.
