Oil in the Arctic 2. The Outer Continental Shelf Environmental Assessment Program

Petroleum exploration and development is proceeding rapidly in the ice-covered waters of the arctic continental shelves. A a consequence of this development, environmental catastrophes on an unprecedented scale are possible in this harsh yet sensitive environment, where the cleanup of spilled oil is extremely difficult, if not virtually impossible. What are the likely damages to the arctic marine ecosystem which will result from petroleum-related impacts? What kinds of studies should be conducted in order to assess these impact to mitigate or remove them entirely? And how do we judge the success of these studies? The oiled state Outer Continental Shelf Environmental Assessment Program (OCSEAP) a large, multidisciplinary research project, which attempts to address such question, is described; more than 150 individual projects costing this year $21 million, are in progress around the coast of Alaska. Those conducted in the Arctic – north of Bering trail – are here reviewed. Their chances for success are briefly analyzed.