Biologiske ressurser i området som er aktuelt som trasé for kraftkabler fra Norge til kontinentet

Rapporten er utarbeidet på oppdrag fra Statkraft Engineering, i anledning planleggingen av linjenett for overføring av elektrisk kraft fra Norge til kontinentet. Utredningen er en del av arbeidet med å vurdere konsekvensene for marine biologiske ressurser ved overføring av elektrisk kraft i monopol likestrømskabel. Rapporten er en sammenstillelse av kunnskap om biologiske ressurser i området som er aktuellt for elektrodeanlegg og kabel. Det er gitt en beskrivelse samt kartmessig framstilling av utbredelse av viktige fiskebestander i området, samt migasjon av fisk gjennom det aktuelle området

Atlantic observation of Calanus marshallae (Copepoda; Calanoida)

An observation of Calanus marshallae Frost, 1974, on the Atlantic side of the Polar Ocean is reported. Copepods were identified by comparing nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA with a previously reported sequence from the Pacific region. Presence of the species in the Barents Sea may explain multi-modal length distributions previously obtained in the region. Potential implications for future identification of Calanus spp, in this region are discussed

Population genetic structure of wrasses used as cleanerfish in Atlantic salmon farming in Norway

The increasing use of wrasses as cleaner fish in the salmon farming industry has created local fishery in many regions in Norway. In several cases, live fish have been transported between regions without knowledge of the population structure of the three species in question (goldsinny, Ctenolabrus rupestris, rock cook, Crenolabrus exoletus, and corkwing, Symphodus melops ). Genetic studies based on variation in proteins were carried out, and polymorphic enzymes of potential use in popoulation studies were identified for all three species. For the most common wrasse the goldsinny, four loci (SDH-1*; PGM- 1*; GPI-1* and GPI-2*) were used to study genetic variation between geographic regions. Five samples collected in the southern part of Norway were compared and significant variation in allele frequencies were detected for SDH-1* and PGM-1*. The variation seemed to be associated with specific fjord - coastal area distribution

A brief literature review of Hediste diversicolor (MüIler, 1776)

Around 1940, the polychaete ragworm Hediste diversicolor (Muller, 1776) (formerly Nereis diversicolor) was imported to Caspian Sea from the Azov Sea in the Berdyansk region (Ukraine ). Soon the species became established over a large area along the Caspian Sea coast. Then, after 1995, the species was found at offshore oil production locations approximately 30 km off the coast. The questions are: bow did the species spread out to the offshore locations, and could this colonisation at the offshore locations possibly represent any environmental concern? The present report includes a brief review of the available knowledge related to the biology of this ragworm species. Our objective is to provide a collection of knowledge which can assist the process of addressing the above noted questions. Based on the reviewed information we also suggest in short bow this topic should be approached in terms of practical surveys. I.e., the very first topic which needs to be clarified is whether or not H. diversicolor populations are present in the area between the shore locations and the offshore platform locations. Since the species has a lirnited dispersal capacity a gap in presence would indicate that the dispersal out to the offshore locations has been assisted by human actions, and we would in that case initially consider ballast water in tankers to be the most likely vehicle for species dispersal. Furthermore, a full elucidation of such a dispersal process is possible, and would best be obtained by means of using analyses of population specific molecular markers in representative polychaete samples collected from each of the populations studied (offshore and coastal). Lists of expert and expert laboratories which have competence within these analyses are included in the present report.Akvamiljø Caspia

Egg masses of the squid Gonatus fabricii (Cephalopoda, Gonatidae) caught with pelagic trawl off northern Norway

A description of egg masses from Gonatus frabricii (Lichtenstein) caught with pelagic trawl in the Norwegian Sea is given. The eggs were kept together in a single layer between two mucous membranes, and the pieces collected appeared to be fragments of more extensive structures torn apart by wear from the sampling gear. No embryos were observed in the eggs, and none of the eggs showed any staining for five enzyme systems analyzed by isoelectric focusing. Either the eggs were caught shortly after spawning and fertilization, or the lack of embryonic tissue reflects the fact that most of the eggs were caught in water colder than 0°C. The development rate at this temperature is expected to be very slow

Water Column Monitoring 2011

The report presents results from the Water Column Monitoring survey 2011, performed in collaboration by NIVA and IRIS. The objective of the survey was to assess the extent to which produced water (PW) discharged from Gullfaks C platform affects organisms living in the water column. The study was designed to monitor bioaccumulation and biomarker responses in mussels held in cages in the vicinity of the water discharge point, with supporting information from passive sampling devices. Significantly greater bioaccumulation of PAH and NPD compounds was found in mussels from the two stations positioned 500 m from the platform, with concentrations significantly higher in mussels from one of the 500 m stations (i.e. station 2). All other mussel stations positioned 1000 m and 2000 m from the platform had PAH-NPD bioaccumulation typical of offshore background concentrations. There was very good agreement between the biomarker responses and the chemical concentration data. The calculated integrated biological response (IBR/n) was markedly higher in mussels from station 2, indicating poorer health. The IBR/n was also slightly raised in mussels from station 3 (1000 m), which was considered to be due to other chemicals within the PW. Alkyl phenols and naphthenic acids were detected in all POCIS placed at selected mussel stations from 500 to 2000 m, with mussel station 2 (500 m) and 3 (1000 m) showing highest concentrations of these compounds. PAH metabolites were detected in wild caught whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and tusk (Brosme brosme). The measured PAH metabolites in both fish species were indicative of weathered PW chemicals. Overall chemical bioaccumulation and impaired health to caged mussels was observed in mussels exposed to the PW plume located 500 m downstream from the platform

Water Column Monitoring 2009

The report presents results from the Water Column Monitoring 2009, performed in collaboration between NIVA and IRIS, with sub-contractors. The objective of the survey was to assess the extent to which produced water discharges from Ekofisk affect organisms living in the water column. The study was designed to monitor bio-accumulation and biomarker responses in organisms held in cages in the vicinity of the water discharge point(s). The study design was identical to that carried out at Ekofisk in 2006 and 2008 with only minor modifications where necessary. The implementation of a produced water treatment system (C-Tour), operational in 2008, aimed to reduce the output of potentially toxic chemicals into the surrounding water column. The monitoring surveys performed pre and post implementation of C-Tour, were designed to assess whether changes in animal health status between the different years have occurred. The results of the 2009 survey have shown that caged organisms were exposed to low levels of produced water components with highest tissue concentrations in mussels Mytilus edulis, located closest to the produced water discharge. Mussels located approximately 1-2 km away showed only background concentrations of the organic compounds measured. Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and alkyl phenol (AP)-metabolites in bile of caged cod Gadus morhua, were slightly elevated suggesting exposure at the Ekofisk stations. There was a signal of exposure with proximity to the discharge for some of the biomarkers measured including CYP1A in fish and micronuclei in mussels. However, all other fish and mussel biomarkers showed no significant exposure effects. The bioaccumulation data and biomarker responses indicated a lower exposure to the produced water effluent than seen previously in 2008 and 2006. The volume of produced water discharged to the investigated area increased in 2009 from 2008 and 2006. However, the amount of oil discharged with the produced water was less, resulting in an overall reduction of oil to the local area. This reduction in oil discharge was reflected in the bioaccumulation and biomarker data, resulting in a general improvement in the health of caged mussels and fish in 2009 compared to 2008 and 2006. Overall, based on the bioaccumulation and biomarker data in 2009, the current environmental risk of the PW on animals living in the water column in proximity to the platforms is low.ConocoPhillips on behalf of the OLF WCM coordination grou