WWF in the Arctic: Barents Sea

Oil and Gas

Petroleum development poses a major threat to the natural riches of the Barents Sea Ecoregion. Large oil and gas resources have already been found, and new deposits are likely to be found in the near future. The first offshore development in Norway is the Snøhvit gas field, which will be producing from 2006, while the Prirazlomnoye oil field in Russia may be producing by 2007.

Oil and gas development may result in discharges of drilling chemicals and produced water, habitat destruction, oil spills, and pipeline leaks.

An oil spill in any part of the Barents Sea is likely to have disastrous and long-lasting effects on the sensitive marine ecosystem. Oils spills in the sea ice, in polynyas or along the ice edge will have particularly dramatic consequences. The existing oil spill response system in the region is inadequate and will have little effect, particularly in rough weather.

Petroleum development will also result in infrastructure development and changes in the way of life of indigenous peoples and local communities.