Environmental Pollution 47 (1987) 315

Announcement

ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF THE OIL INDUSTRY, 4-5 NOVEMBER 1987

This symposium is sponsored by the Institute of Petroleum and the Oil Pollution Research Unit (OPRU) of the Field Studies Council, and will be held at the Institute of Petroleum, London, UK.

OPRU is a small group of about twenty scientists with particular expertise in marine and coastal ecology, chemistry and sedimentology. The findings of OPRU's research into the impacts of discharges to the marine and coastal environment will be presented. The main focus is on experimental work and field surveys within the oil port of Milford Haven, developing to research in other parts of the world.

Early studies concentrated on experimental applications of oil and dispersants in the field and the recording of impacts on species and communities. As experience and understanding of effects developed, the expertise was applied to providing specialist advice during spills and to increasing the number of monitoring and impact studies associated with refinery discharges, coastal terminals and offshore oilfields, both in temperate areas and the tropics.

Presentations have been selected from the last ten years of research. Subject matter includes survey and monitoring techniques and approaches, impacts on intertidal and subtidal rock and sediment communities, and the fate of oil in sedimentary systems. These main themes are illustrated with case studies. The emphasis throughout is on the application of research findings to forward planning, environmental management and protection.

The concepts and data put forward are relevant to a wide audience, especially oil companies and government authorities, as well as scientists working and training in this and related disciplines.

For further details please contact: Miss Caroline Little, Conference Officer, The Institute of Petroleum, 61 New Cavendish Street, London W1M 8AR, UK. Telephone 01-636 1004; telex 1264380; fax 01-255 1472.

315 Environ. Pollut. (47)--© Elsevier Applied Science Publishers Ltd, England, 1987. Printed in Great Britain