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Effects of oil-industry operations on the macrobenthos of Sullom Voe

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2011

S. J. May  and
T. H. Pearson
S. J. May
Affiliation:
Oil Pollution Research Unit, Field Studies Council Research Centre, Fort Popton, Angle, Pembroke, Dyfed, SA71 5AD, Wales
T. H. Pearson
Affiliation:
SEAS Ltd., 23 Stevenson Street, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5NA, Scotland
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Synopsis

The aims, methods and techniques of the macrobenthic monitoring programme in Sullom Voe and Orka Voe are described together with an analysis of the data obtained from surveys that began in 1978 and continue to the present. The distribution of the benthic macrofauna is discussed in relation to the sedimentological and hydrocarbon data obtained and compared with data from other Shetland waters. The macrofauna is considered to be typical of five of the six Facies used to describe the communities of the voes around Shetland. The possible effects of the terminal operations on the macrofauna are assessed and it is concluded that the disturbance noted to the macrofauna in Garths Voe, close to the diffuser at Calback Ness and in Orka Voe, essentially follows the same pattern seen in modifications to Shetland macrofauna that occurs where naturally occurring organic carbon enrichment exists.

Type
Part Two
Information
Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Section B: Biological Sciences , Volume 103: Monitoring at an Oil Terminal: The Shetland Experience , 1995 , pp. 69 - 97
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1995

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