scholarly journals The status of grey seals in Britain

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 69 ◽  
Author(s):  
C D Duck ◽  
D Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Total Population ◽  
Grey Seal ◽  
The North ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Seal Population ◽  
The Status ◽  
Outer Hebrides ◽  
Likelihood Model ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
The Uk

Grey seal pup production in Scotland was estimated through annual aerial surveys of the main grey seal breeding colonies. Between 3 and 7 counts of pups were obtained for each colony at intervals through the course of the breeding season. Pup production for individual colonies was estimated from the series of counts using a maximum likelihood model. At 3 colonies, 2 in England, annual pup production was estimated using ground counts. Between the early 1960s and the early 1990s, grey seal pup production progressively increased. At colonies in the Inner and Outer Hebrides, production appeared to stabilize during the 1990s and has remained so. Pup production at colonies in Orkney and in the North Sea has continued to increase but in recent years the rate of increase has declined. This may imply that the UK grey seal population is reaching some limit to its size. The observed changes in pup production imply that some density dependent factors are affecting the British grey seal population. Changes in either juvenile survival and/or female fecundity are the most likely options. Without knowing which of these, or what combination of these factors, is operating, estimating total population size is complicated.

scholarly journals The status of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in the United Kingdom

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dave Thompson ◽  
Callan Duck ◽  
Mike E Lonergan
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methods ◽  
Harbour Seal ◽  
Rocky Shores ◽  
The North ◽  
Harbour Seals ◽  
General Decline ◽  
Seal Population ◽  
The Status ◽  
Thermal Imagers ◽  
The Uk

The UK holds approximately 40% of the European harbour seal population, with the majority found around the coasts of Scotland. Harbour seal populations in the UK have been monitored through a series of repeated aerial surveys of animals hauled out during the annual moult in early August. This moult count is used as a consistent index of population size. Survey methods and frequencies vary. The Scottish and English east coast populations mainly haul out in tidal estuariesand are surveyed annually, using fixed wing aircraft and digital photography. Populations in north and west Scotland often haul out on rocky shores and are surveyed less frequently, using helicopters fitted with thermal imagers. Overall, the most recent minimum estimate of the UK harbour seal population is 24,250 seals of which 19,800 are in Scotland, 3,200 in England and 1,250 in Northern Ireland. The results show that the number of harbour seals in eastern Englandwas increasing before the 1988 and 2002 phocine distemper (PDV) epizootic but has not increased since the end of the 2002 epizootic. There is also evidence of a general decline in most of the large harbour seal colonies around Scotland. The populations along the north and northwest mainland coast were an exception, with numbers appearing to be stable. Between 2001 and 2008, the population in Orkney declined by 67% and Shetland declined by 40%, indicating harbourseals in these areas experienced substantially increased mortality or very low recruitment over this period. The widespread declines, ranging from Shetland to The Wash, suggest that the causes may have been present over a large part of the North Sea and waters off western Scotland.

Seals in Orkney

1985 ◽  
Vol 87 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 95-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernie McConnell
Keyword(s):  
North Sea ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Phoca Vitulina ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Halichoerus Grypus ◽  
Grey Seal ◽  
Total Population Size ◽  
The North ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
Domestic Use

SynopsisGrey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and common seals (Phoca vitulina) both occur in Orcadian waters. In previous centuries they formed an important resource for both domestic use and export.Annual grey seal pup production has more than doubled since 1964. Productivity on individual islands is influenced by human activity. Total population size is estimated to have risen from around 10,000 in 1964 to around 20,000 in 1982 despite a management policy of culling originally intended to stop population growth. Grey seals tagged in Orkney have been recovered around most parts of the North Sea, Norway, the Faeroes and south to Ireland.Considerably less is known about the biology of common seals in Orkney. A boat survey in 1979 counted 2653 adults and 420 pups.

The Grey seal ‘problem’ in the Outer Hebrides

1979 ◽  
Vol 77 ◽  
pp. 495-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. F. Summers ◽  
J. Harwood
Keyword(s):  
Population Growth ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Grey Seal ◽  
Seal Population ◽  
The Status ◽  
Outer Hebrides ◽  
Fisheries Conservation

SynopsisThe growth of the Hebridean Grey seal population is described and its probable causes are discussed. The status of the Hebridean assemblies, in relation to those at North Rona and Orkney is reassessed on the basis of recent evidence supporting the hypothesis that there is considerable mixing of breeding individuals throughout Scotland. Consideration of the consequences of the population growth with regard to fisheries, conservation and commercial sealing prompted an investigation of the efficacy of different management strategies which might be used to adjust the population to a level at which it can be maintained.

United Kingdom/Norway

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-164
Author(s):  
Richard Barnes
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Sustainable Management ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Framework Agreement ◽  
The North ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract On 30 September 2020, the United Kingdom and Norway signed the Framework Agreement on Fisheries that will provide the basis for future cooperation in the sustainable management of their fisheries. The Agreement is the first such agreement adopted by the UK following its decision to the leave the European Union. This note provides some background to the Agreement and examines its key features. Whilst the content of the Agreement appears to be rather basic, this is broadly consistent with other framework agreements, and it does provide some insight into the direction and focus of fisheries management in the North Sea, and how cooperation may develop between coastal States and the European Union.

Sources and Fate of PCBs in the North Sea: A Review of Available Data

1991 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 77-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Klamer ◽  
R. W. P. M. Laane ◽  
J. M. Marquenie
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
North Sea ◽  
German Bight ◽  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Wadden Sea ◽  
Annual Basis ◽  
The North ◽  
Total Input ◽  
Seal Population ◽  
The North Sea

From literature data it is calculated that on an annual basis, 11 to 17 tonnes of PCBs enter the North Sea. Largest sources are the Atlantic Ocean and the atmosphere: together they account for 60-79% of the total input. Sources with greatest impact are the rivers, sewers and sludge. Highest concentrations are found close to the Dutch shore and in the German Bight. The PCB levels result in adverse effects on the seal population in the Wadden Sea. Of the total world PCB production, at least 57% is still in use and their future dispersal into the oceans cannot easily be controlled. If the increase in ocean PCB concentration continues, it may ultimately result in the extinction of fish-eating marine mammals.

Ready to collaborate? Operator and supply chain under the spotlight

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 498
Author(s):  
Mike Lynn ◽  
Alan Samuel
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Commodity Price ◽  
Capital Projects ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
New Ways Of Working ◽  
Service Companies ◽  
The North ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
The Uk

In the last 12 months or so, particularly with the drop in oil price, there’s been a lot of speculation about the future of the Australian oil and gas industry. Strenuous efforts are being made to bring down costs, reduce complexity and expedite the completion of major capital projects. Yet with the commodity price looking likely to be subdued for some time, serious questions persist. How can we sustain activity in Australia, secure the investment needed to continue exploration and appraisal drilling, for the next wave of projects? In looking for answers to these challenges, collaboration is a theme that comes up time and time again. But what does it actually mean? What does it look like in practice? Who does it well and how? And which companies are reaping the rewards of great collaboration? To fill this knowledge gap we are launching a survey which will look at many aspects of collaboration in the Australia and compare this with the results of similar surveys conducted in the UK. We will be looking to survey both operators and service companies working in the Australia and find out: What does collaboration mean? What constitutes effective collaboration? How do companies view themselves and each other as collaborators? How does collaboration in Australia compare with companies in the North Sea? We hope a better understanding of collaboration could help companies in Australia continue to improve productivity and efficiency, adopt new ways of working, and truly make the most of Australia’s abundant resources.

Rig integration and remote monitoring set new standards in offshore operations

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 453
Author(s):  
Scott Sivewright ◽  
Markus Hulke ◽  
Goh Teck Hua
Keyword(s):  
Remote Monitoring ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Operational Efficiency ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Wellbore Integrity ◽  
High Profile ◽  
The North ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Productive Time

Heightened focus on wellbore integrity in the high-profile offshore arena has signaled the need for integrated solutions that deliver greater operational efficiency, safety, reliability and cost savings. Innovative systems that can interface with the existing rig package and facilitate mechanised processes are critical to operator needs to maximise safety and efficiency. A rig integration operation to run tubulars and make up connections for a multi-well project in the UK sector of the North Sea reduced overall operational costs without compromising performance. This operation combined remote-controlled mechanised power tongs (maximum 100,000 ft/lb) with a software package that recorded, analysed and evaluated critical torque-turn data in a real-time report, which could be viewed from multiple remote locations. This hands-off system ensured the integrity of the connections, eliminating the possibility of tubing damage and reducing tripping. The technology performed risky activities in a mechanised fashion, increased efficiency, reduced non-productive time and kept workers safer. This approach is particularly suited to the offshore sector, which is defined by high costs and risks, specifically the use of high-torque strings where casing-running operations present potential hazards. The North Sea’s stringent safety standards dictate the need for a totally integrated methodology that provides a control system, and handling and makeup tools that can easily interface with existing rig equipment. This extended abstract will review the evolution of connection integrity and remote monitoring to enhance safety and well integrity in offshore environments. It will also discuss the latest technologies and software in connection make up and their impact on improving operational efficiency.

Integrated Decommissioning of a Pentagon Shaped Production Semisubmersible in the UK: A Unique Challenge

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis F. Batalla Toro ◽  
Simon L. Reid ◽  
Alfredo Salcines Tudela ◽  
Duncan Graham
Keyword(s):  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Production Unit ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Successful Operation ◽  
Unique Challenge ◽  
The North ◽  
Sequence Of Events ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
Drilling Rigs ◽  
The Uk

Between 1969 and 1977, eleven semisubmersible drilling platforms were designed and built with an innovative pentagon shaped hull, specifically to work in the harsh environment of the North Sea. One of the drilling rigs, the Alexander L. Kielland, was converted soon after construction into an accommodation platform (flotel) and failed catastrophically in 1980. Another, the Pentagon 83 “Drillmaster” (renamed as Buchan Alpha), was being converted to a Floating Production Unit at the time of the disaster. The structure of Buchan Alpha was significantly modified during the conversion of the platform so that it benefited from the lessons learnt following the Alexander L. Kielland accident to ensure that the same sequence of events could not be repeated. This technical paper objective is to explain the integrated decommissioning process of the Buchan Alpha in the UK after more than 40 years since being built and more than 35 years of successful operation since it was converted to a Floating Production Unit, and how the features of its original design have accompanied the platform through the decommissioning process. The scope covers all phases of Buchan Alpha decommissioning from the detailed planning and preparation, the suspension of production up to the dismantling and recycling process. Significant challenges for the decommissioning team included the requirement to preserve the operational status of the subsea infrastructure for potential future field redevelopment and the diver disconnection of the subsea wells. Buchan Alpha’s deep draught presented limitations on the selection of dismantling and recycling yards due to quayside water depths. Complex ballasting operations and removal of the thruster’s propellers were required to facilitate the platform berthing at the quayside. Key lessons learned applicable for future decommissioning of floating production facilities will be shared.

scholarly journals Different bottom trawl fisheries have a differential impact on the status of the North Sea seafloor habitats

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 1772-1786 ◽  
Author(s):  
A D Rijnsdorp ◽  
J G Hiddink ◽  
P D van Denderen ◽  
N T Hintzen ◽  
O R Eigaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Sea ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Demersal Fish ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
The North ◽  
The Status ◽  
Fisheries Conservation ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Trawl Fisheries

Abstract Fisheries using bottom trawls are the most widespread source of anthropogenic physical disturbance to seafloor habitats. To mitigate such disturbances, the development of fisheries-, conservation-, and ecosystem-based management strategies requires the assessment of the impact of bottom trawling on the state of benthic biota. We explore a quantitative and mechanistic framework to assess trawling impact. Pressure and impact indicators that provide a continuous pressure–response curve are estimated at a spatial resolution of 1 × 1 min latitude and longitude (∼2 km2) using three methods: L1 estimates the proportion of the community with a life span exceeding the time interval between trawling events; L2 estimates the decrease in median longevity in response to trawling; and population dynamic (PD) estimates the decrease in biomass in response to trawling and the recovery time. Although impact scores are correlated, PD has the best performance over a broad range of trawling intensities. Using the framework in a trawling impact assessment of ten métiers in the North Sea shows that muddy habitats are impacted the most and coarse habitats are impacted the least. Otter trawling for crustaceans has the highest impact, followed by otter trawling for demersal fish and beam trawling for flatfish and flyshooting. Beam trawling for brown shrimps, otter trawling for industrial fish, and dredging for molluscs have the lowest impact. Trawling is highly aggregated in core fishing grounds where the status of the seafloor is low but the catch per unit of effort (CPUE) per unit of impact is high, in contrast to peripheral grounds, where CPUE per unit of impact is low.

Aha! “take on Me’s”: bridging the North sea with relational autoethnography

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 330-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trude Klevan ◽  
Bengt Karlsson ◽  
Lydia Turner ◽  
Nigel Short ◽  
Alec Grant
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Relational Practice ◽  
The North ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
The Uk ◽  
New Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how sharing stories of being a mental health professional and academic, based more broadly on serendipity and searching in life, can serve as means for bridging and developing cross-cultural understandings and collaborative work. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a relational autoethnography based on face-to-face and written conversational dialogue between five mental health academics from the UK and Norway. Findings The very practice of writing this paper displays and serves the purpose of bridging people, cultures and understandings, at several levels, in the facilitation of new research and writing projects. Troubling traditional boundaries between “us” and “them, and the “knower” and the “known,” the writing is theoretically underpinned by Friendship as Method, situated in a New Materialist context. Originality/value Through its conversational descriptions and explorations the paper shows how doing relational autoethnography can be purposeful in developing cross-cultural understandings and work at both professional and personal levels. It also demonstrates how autoethnography as relational practice can be useful in the sharing of this methodology between people who are more and less familiar with it.

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