Environmental Report 1999 Index

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The 18th Round Of Offshore Licensing: Screening Studies In 1998, UKOOA commissioned a series of environmental screening reports in preparation for the 18th Round of Offshore Licensing. These reports covered four areas: Northern North Sea. Central North Sea. Southern North Sea. Irish Sea. The aim was to describe the environmental characteristics and resources of these areas, with particular reference to sensitive resources that may be vulnerable to impacts from industrial activities. Each report was compiled from a large number of published or readily available documents, and includes sections on the following: physical characteristics; water column biology; seabed sediments and biology; inter-tidal and coastal habitats and communities; seabirds and waterfowl; marine mammals; inshore and offshore fisheries and fish farms; fish spawning and nursery areas; nature conservation sites; amenity areas; ports, shipping, oil and gas platforms, pipelines, cables and wrecks. The reports are used, first, to predict the potential effects of the industry's activities; second, to devise prevention, control and mitigation measures; and third, as a reference source for the more detailed studies required in the preparation of Environment Impact Statements.