PriStrat Fact Sheets

In these fact sheets, English, Scientific and Norwegian species names are given, in addition to the species´ vulnerability applied in risk and impact assessments. Examples are provided in the following sections.

Structuring information

From discussions of the aspects mentioned in the previous section, it became clear that the information would need to be structured systematically to provide a cohesive approach. The parameters identified are given below.

Periods

Seabirds

For seabirds, relevant periods were considered to be:

• Breeding: when birds are located within feeding distance of the breeding colonies. Typically, March/April to July/August, depending on species and latitude.
• Migration: in spring and autumn for migrating species.
• Wintering: when some species are located offshore, while others are located near the shore.

Coastal seals

For coastal seals, relevant periods were identified as related to periods of heightened sensitivity as well as distribution patterns:

• Pupping, when seal pups are collocated with adults on the haul out sites, and when Grey seal pups depend on their fur for insulation.
• Shedding, when seals shed their fur.
• Other periods of the year.

Barriers

In the context of the PriStrat project, spill response focus areas were linked to barriers as follows:

• Offshore (Barriers 1 and 2)
• Outer coast (Barrier 3)
• Nearshore (Barrier 4)
• Onshore (Barrier 5)

Priority

For each barrier, a priority for response was assigned on a scale from “Low” through “Moderate” to “High”.

Focus

For each barrier, the focus for an oil spill response operation was assigned as;

• Area reduction
• Avoiding repeated exposure
• Avoiding remobilization of oil
• Shoreline clean-up

Other measures

For additional measures, a “Yes/No” assignment was given for;

• Hazing
• Enticing
• Cleaning/rehabilitation

Comments

While there is a high degree of similarity between ecological groups of seabirds, there are also some differences. These were given as comments for each species.