§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the membership of the Atlantic Frontier Environmental Network; and what its terms of reference are. [37747]
§ Mr. WilsonThe membership of the Atlantic Frontier Environmental Network (AFEN) varies over time. The most recent list of members is
Agip (UK) Ltd., Amerada Hess, British Gas E&P Ltd., BP Amoco, Chevron UK Ltd., Conoco (UK) Ltd., Department of Trade and Industry, Enterprise Oil plc, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Phillips Petroleum Company UK Ltd., Scottish Executive—Environment and Rural Affairs Department (Fisheries Research Services), Shell UK Exploration and Production, Statoil and Texaco North Sea UK.AFEN has a Mission Statement rather than "Terms of Reference". AFEN's Mission Statement is:
The Atlantic Frontier Environmental Network will co-operatively work as an industry to understand the key aspects of the Atlantic Frontier region environment and implement 348W monitoring programmes and protection measures necessary to minimise or eliminate adverse impact. The strategy will be implemented by:Reviewing, investigating and understanding the natural and physical environment of the Atlantic Margin including:
- Seabed sediments and topography
- Hydrographic phenomena
- Benthic Fauna
- Fishing and associated resources
- Sea mammals, particularly large cetaceans Seabirds.
Identifying parts of the environment vulnerable to routine Exploration and Production operations and planning pollution prevention or minimisation strategies. Operations would include:
- Seismic
- Drilling
- Production
- Decommissioning
Assessing the risks and possible impacts of unplanned or emergency pollution incidents and implementing response plans.Developing a wider dialogue and consensus with local communities and parties with a legitimate interest in the offshore environment of the Atlantic Margin.