Environmental Impact Assessment, Exploration Drilling .../media/Nanoq/Files...ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CAPRICORN GREENLAND EXPLORATION-1 1 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY INTRODUCTION

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Capricorn Greenland Exploration - 1

Environmental Impact Assessment, Exploration Drilling Programme, Sigguk Block, Disko West, Greenland

Wells 3 and 4 Version 1 30th June 2010 www.erm.com

Capricorn Greenland Exploration-1

Environmental Impact Assessment, Exploration Drilling Programme, Sigguk Block, Disko West, Greenland Wells 3 and 4

Version 1

30th June 2010

Reference 0108885

Prepared by: Jonathan Perry and Carys Jones

For and on behalf of Environmental Resources Management Approved by: Dr Kevin Murphy

Signed: Position: Partner Date: 30 June 2010

This report has been prepared by Environmental Resources Management the trading name of Environmental Resources Management Limited, with all reasonable skill, care and diligence within the terms of the Contract with the client, incorporating our General Terms and Conditions of Business and taking account of the resources devoted to it by agreement with the client. We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above. This report is confidential to the client and we accept no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to whom this report, or any part thereof, is made known. Any such party relies on the report at their own risk.

Environmental Resources Management Limited Incorporated in the United Kingdom with registration number 1014622 Registered Office: 2nd Floor, Exchequer Crt, 33 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8AA

CONTENTS GLOSSAERY NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

1 INTRODUCTION 1-1

1.1 BACKGROUND 1-1 1.2 SCOPE 1-1 1.3 PROPONENT 1-4 1.4 PROJECT SCHEDULE 1-4 1.5 EXPLORATION HISTORY – DISKO WEST 19720 TO 2005 1-4 1.6 SOURCES OF INFORMATION 1-7

2 POLICY, REGULATORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 2-1

2.1 APPLICABILITY TO THE EIA AND SIA 2-1 2.2 NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 2-1 2.3 INTERNATIONAL TREATIES AND CONVENTIONS 2-3 2.4 INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FOR THE EXPLORATION AND

PRODUCTION INDUSTRY 2-10

3 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 3-1

3.1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW OF THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS 3-1 3.2 SCREENING 3-1 3.3 SCOPING 3-2 3.4 BASELINE DATA COLLECTION 3-5 3.5 INTERFACE WITH PROJECT PLANNING AND DESIGN 3-6 3.6 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS 3-7 3.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING 3-12 3.8 REPORTING AND NEXT STEPS 3-12

4 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 4-1

4.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 4-1 4.2 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 4-30 4.3 RESOURCE USE 4-72 4.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 4-72 4.5 PROTECTED AREAS AND THREATENED SPECIES 4-72

5 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 5-1

5.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW 5-1 5.2 PROPOSED WELL LOCATIONS 5-3

5.3 PROPOSED PROJECT SCHEDULE 5-5 5.4 PROPOSED DRILL UNITS 5-5 5.5 RESERVOIR RESOURCES 5-10 5.6 RIG MOBILISATION 5-11 5.7 DRILLING AND WELL CONSTRUCTION 5-12 5.8 MUD AND CUTTINGS DISPOSAL 5-17 5.9 WELL CLEANING, TESTING AND COMPLETION 5-21 5.10 CHEMICALS 5-22 5.11 CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS 5-23 5.12 SUPPORT OPERATIONS 5-26 5.13 OTHER DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS 5-32 5.14 LIFECYCLE OF ACTIVITIES 5-33

6 IMPACT ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION 6-1

6.1 INTRODUCTION 6-1 6.2 IMPACT IDENTIFICATION 6-2 6.3 IMPACTS FROM PLANNED EVENTS 6-4 6.4 IMPACTS FROM UNPLANNED EVENTS 6-27 6.5 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS - CONCLUSIONS 6-40

7 ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION AND MONITORING 7-1

7.1 INTRODUCTION 7-1 7.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 7-2 7.3 OPERATING PROCEDURES AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE 7-4 7.4 MONITORING AND REPORTING 7-6 7.5 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN 7-7 7.6 SUMMARY 7-10 7.7 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY PLAN 7-17

ANNEXES

A SENSITIVITIES OF HABITATS AND IMPORTANCE VALUES OF SPECIES B GEOPHYSICAL AND BENTHIC SURVEY REPORTS C FISH SPECIES LIST D DRILLING AND CONTINGENCY CHEMICALS E ASA CUTTINGS AND SPILL MODELLING REPORT F GROUP HSE AND CSR POLICIES

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

AMAP Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, Arctic Council BMP Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum BOD Biological Oxygen Demand BOP Blow-out Preventer Capricorn Capricorn Greenland Exploration-1 is a subsidiary of Cairn Energy

PLC. Cairn Cairn Energy PLC CR Corporate Responsibility CRMS Corporate Responsibility Management System CSR Corporate Social Responsibility CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild

Fauna and Flora dB decibel DKK Danish Krone DMI Danish Meteorological Institute DP Dynamic Positioning DPS Dynamic Positioning System E & P Exploration and Production EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan EMP Environmental Management Plan EPP Environmental Protection Plan ERM Environmental Resources Management EU European Union GA Employer’s Association of Greenland GEUS Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland GHG Greenhouse Gas GINR Greenland Institute of Natural Resources GDP Gross Disposable Production GNI Gross Disposable National Income GNP Gross National Product HOCNF Harmonised Offshore Chemical Notification Format HSE Health, Safety and the Environment IA Impact Assessment IA (in the SIA) Inuit Ataqatigiit IBA Important Bird Area ICC Inuit Circumpolar Council IMO International Maritime Organisation IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships MMO Marine Mammal Observer mmscfd million standard cubic feet per day MODU Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit NERI National Environmental Research Institute NGO Non-governmental Organisation NTS Non-Technical Summary OSPAR The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the

North-East Atlantic OSRP Oil Spill Response Plan PEIA Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment

PLONOR Pose Little Or No Risk RAL Royal Arctic Line ROV Remotely Operated Vehicle SAR Search and Rescue SIA Social Impact Assessment UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNESCO WHS

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site

VEC Valued Ecosystem Component VSP Vertical Seismic Profile WBM Water Based Mud

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CAPRICORN GREENLAND EXPLORATION-1

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

This is the Non Technical Summary of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for an offshore multiple well exploration drilling programme (the Project). The programme will be conducted within the Sigguk exclusive licence 2008/10 (Sigguk Licence) off west Greenland between June and the end of September 2010, with a 37 day contingency window over October and November in case relief well drilling is required. The EIA has been produced by Environmental Resources Management (ERM) on behalf of Capricorn Greenland Exploration-1 Ltd (Capricorn), a subsidiary of Cairn Energy PLC (Cairn). This EIA includes details related to the entire drilling programme as it is important that the impacts associated with drilling individual wells are not assessed in isolation, but considered as part of the wider drilling project. The scope of this EIA is the drilling of two wells from four potential well locations; T3, T4, T16 and T23. Detailed environmental survey data is included for the preferred T3 and T4 potential drilling locations. Environmental survey results for T16 and T23 are being finalised and will form a supplement to the EIA report as soon as they become available. The location of the two final wells will be selected based on the outcome of drilling the initial wells. The EIA has been undertaken in accordance with applicable Greenland legislation and standards, international guidance and the corporate policies and expectations of Cairn.

EIA Standards and Permitting

The regulatory framework for offshore oil and gas activities in Greenland is currently being revised. The Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum (BMP) is the main implementing agency for laws relating to hydrocarbon exploration, and has been consulted throughout this EIA process.

Scope

As well as the EIA, a separate Social Impact Assessments (SIA) has been produced for the Project by ERM on behalf of Capricorn. Social, economic and health factors are therefore excluded from the EIA and covered by the SIA. In preparing this EIA, a range of existing information sources and new studies have been used. A comprehensive literature review has been conducted using reports prepared by environmental organisations from Greenland and Denmark, as well as information sourced during internet research and the results of computer modelling and simulations. Field surveys have been conducted to investigate the physical, chemical and biological environment


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and studies have been undertaken on weather patterns, ice movements and currents. The geographical scope of the EIA includes the Sigguk Licence (also referred to as the Sigguk Block or the Licence Area) together with the wider marine and coastal environment where relevant to the potential impacts of the Project. The focus of the EIA is on the four possible locations within the Sigguk Licence where the second two exploration wells are to be drilled (see Figure 1 below).

Figure 1 Sigguk Exclusive Licence 2008/10 and Potential Drilling Locations

Proponent and EIA Practitioner

Capricorn Greenland Exploration-1 is a subsidiary of Cairn Energy PLC based in Edinburgh, UK. Cairn is an independent, public oil and gas exploration and production company quoted on the London Stock Exchange.


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ERM is a leading global provider of environmental, health and safety, risk, and social consulting services, with 137 offices in 39 countries employing approximately 3,300 staff. ERM is a corporate member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and has worldwide expertise in environmental and social impact assessment for offshore oil and gas projects, including operations in Arctic waters.

ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

Overview of the Impact Assessment Process

This EIA has been undertaken following a systematic process that predicts and evaluates the probable impacts of the Project on aspects of the physical and biological environments; it identifies measures to mitigate adverse impacts, and to provide benefits, as far as is reasonably practicable. The overall approach is shown in Figure 2. Screening and Scoping for the EIA (and SIA) has been underway throughout Project planning and has involved consultation with the Greenland Government and key stakeholders, review of legislation and international standards and examination of previous environmental studies. Engagement with the authorities and key Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) has continued throughout this process, as has interaction with the Project Team.

Figure 2 Overview of IA Approach

Baseline Data Collection

To provide a baseline against which potential impacts can be assessed, the EIA provides a description of the conditions that will prevail in the absence of the Project. The baseline includes information on all receptors and resources

Screening

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Assessment

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Reporting and Disclosure

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identified as having the potential to be significantly affected by the proposed Project. For this IA, baseline data collection proceeded in several stages: Collection of available data from existing sources including:

o government agencies; o research and academic organisations; o published sources; o external stakeholders and the public; and o previous offshore exploration Preliminary EIAs held by the client

and; o the previous EIA conducted by ERM for the first two wells (Alpha

and T8) Environmental and geophysical surveys of the well site locations to inform

the physical and biological components of the baseline, including physical, chemical and biological analysis of samples taken.

In-country information gathering and stakeholder interviews to inform oil

spill sensitivity mapping and socio-economic baseline for the SIA.

Assessment of Impacts

The assessment describes what will happen by predicting and quantifying as far as possible the magnitude of impacts. The term ‘magnitude’ is used as shorthand to encompass all the dimensions of the predicted impact including: the nature of the change (what is affected and how); its size, scale or intensity; its geographical extent and distribution; its duration, frequency, reversibility, etc; and where relevant, the probability of the impact occurring. Magnitude also includes any uncertainty about the occurrence or scale of the impact. An overall grading is provided to determine whether an impact is of negligible, small, medium or large magnitude. The next step in the assessment process is to explain what the magnitude of an impact means in terms of its importance to people and the environment. This is referred to as Evaluation of Significance. Criteria for assessing the significance of impacts are clearly defined and take into account whether the Project will: Cause legal or accepted environmental standards to be exceeded, or make

a substantial contribution to the likelihood of a standard being exceeded. Adversely affect protected areas or valuable resources, conservation areas,

rare or protected species, protected landscapes, historic features.


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Conflict with established government policy, for example to reduce CO2 emissions or recycle waste.

Magnitude and sensitivity are looked at in combination to evaluate whether an impact is significant and if so its degree of significance (see Figure 3).

Figure 3 Evaluation of Significance

Mitigation and Residual Impacts

Where the assessment results in significant impacts, methods for practical and affordable mitigation are identified. These measures have been agreed with the Project proponent and integrated into the Project design. Following agreement on feasible mitigation, impacts are re-assessed taking into account the mitigation measures now integrated into the Project. Where an impact could not be completely avoided the residual impact has been reassessed and the possibility for further mitigation considered.

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

Physical Environment

Climate

The mean monthly air temperatures for sampling sites to the north and south of the block varied from a minimum of -21.96 °C to the north of Sigguk and a maximum of 13.15 °C to the south of Sigguk. Average precipitation at the nearest towns of Aasiaat and Sisimiut varied from 16 mm at Aasiaat in January and February to 52 mm at Sisimiut in August. Wind speeds at the

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Alpha wellsite location varied between an average of 2.9 m/s in July, 5.1 m/s in September and 6.17 m/s in October (see Figure 4).

Figure 4 Comparative Wind Speed Frequency by Direction (July to October)

Source: C-Core, 2009

Bathymetry

The transition to continental slope off central West Greenland occurs at approximately 400 m deep. Near the Sigguk block the continental shelf is incised by a broad deep, low-relief channel, informally named the Uummannaq Channel. The Sigguk block varies in depth from around 300 m in the east of the block to 1,840 m in the northwest of the block. The two wells to be drilled will be located in water depths of 360-500 m. Seabed

The seafloor and shallow geology throughout the Sigguk block is characterised by a thin layer of relatively fine grained, well sorted, poorly consolidated sediments that blanket the area and accumulate in seabed depressions. Surveys of the area have found that areas of the seabed have been scoured by icebergs. The benthic survey carried out over May and June 2010 revealed sediments consisting predominantly of slightly sandy silts and clays with a small, almost negligible, fraction of finer gravel and coarser sediments. Over a larger area, the seabed also shows small areas of larger, ice-rafted rocks in the cobble to boulder size range or surface exposures of hard underlying glacial clays Sediment sampling at both T3 and T4 shows moderately high organic content of sediments, ranging from 0.69 to 1.46% and 4 to 10% respectively. Oceanography

Surface circulation shows the West Greenland Surface Water flowing north over the shelf along the west coast of Greenland and Arctic Surface Water from the Canadian Arctic Archipelago flowing south along the eastern coast of Baffin Island. Below these surface waters a branch of the Irminger Current flows north forming West Greenland Intermediate Water over the bulk of the


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West Greenland Shelf Slope while Arctic Water and Transition Water flow south over the western side of the basin. The study site is located near the transition between north flowing shelf waters to the east and south flowing waters over the bulk of the basin to the west (see Figure 5).

Figure 5 Regional Currents off West Greenland

Source: Brian Petrie, Bedford Institute of Oceanography

Generally, currents in the study area are weak. The mean surface currents in the region are in the range of 2-3 cm/s up to a depth of approximately 50 m. Wave heights in eastern Baffin Bay are small. When larger waves do occur, they are usually of short duration. The maximum average significant wave height within the Sigguk block occurs from November through January which coincides with peak monthly wind speeds. Sea surface temperatures off the west coast of Greenland are lowest in January and February and highest in August at approximately 6 to 8°C, although variation throughout the year is low. Sea surface salinity in the study area also shows little variation. Ice Conditions

In the Sigguk block, the period between mid-June and mid-November is normally ice free but occasionally sea ice may drift from the central sections of southern Baffin Bay into the area during the summer. When sea ice does occur it tends to be very large floes of thin first year ice. However, the cover of ice is changeable and large areas of open water are common. Ice thickness in Davis Strait is highly variable. Ice formed in newly opened leads often develops a thickness of greater than 0.5 m during winter months. Older ice that begins forming in autumn often grows to thicknesses of 1.2 m.


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Figure 6 Total Concentration of Ice at the Project Area June to October (2007 data)

Source: C-Core, 2009

The drift pattern of sea ice off west Greenland is not well understood, with local drift to some extent controlled by the major surface systems together with the strength and direction of the surface winds, especially in southern waters. Nearly all ice drift in the western portion of Davis Strait is in a southerly direction, with typical velocities observed in southern Baffin Bay during winter and spring of 10 cm/s increasing to 20-30 cm/s in Davis Strait. Icebergs are formed when ice at the outlets of glaciers on the west coast of Greenland calve from the glaciers. Icebergs are formed on the west coast throughout the year and are carried by sea currents, but also affected by the wind. Ummannaq Fjord and Disko Bay are important sources of icebergs to the Disko West region. These areas can produce 10,000-15,000 icebergs per year. Icebergs tracked for the Project had a mean drift speed of 0.21 m/s and varied from almost stationary to a maximum of 1.59 m/s (3.1 knots) during storm conditions. These icebergs drifted in almost all directions but predominantly east with variability in drift direction caused by the prevailing current pattern. Sediments

Environmental surveys at the proposed drilling sites studied the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the seabed. Sediment samples from the 2010 surveys showed organic content of the sediment at the proposed well locations to be moderately high, with hydrocarbon levels consistent with low to moderate naturally occurring hydrocarbon levels and no indication of hydrocarbon contamination.


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Biological Environment

Primary Production

Primary production (organic matter produced by photosynthesis eg phytoplankton or algae) off western Greenland is high, although the important spring bloom usually starts in late April and develops throughout May, therefore coming before the planned operations. Most primary production occurs close to the coast and in fjords, with high levels of primary production also occurring at marginal ice zones. Zooplankton

Various types of zooplankton (eg shrimp, crustaceans) are present in the waters off west Greenland and form a key food source for many other species in this area such as fish, whales and seabirds. More than 85% of the zooplankton present are crustaceans. The most common are Calanus copepods which have been found in high numbers over the fishing banks and deeper waters of Disko Bay. Invertebrates

Benthic communities are an important ecosystem component on the West Greenland continental shelf in Baffin Bay, although their relative importance decreases with increasing depth and distance from shore. The benthic communities found at locations T3 and T4 were 60-70% consistent as they have similar seabed substrates (ice modified silty sediments), however, the samples taken indicate there are differences for the two well locations. Significant groups of species within the two survey areas were common to both areas, with 120 common taxa recorded at both sites and nine species common to the top 15 ranked species at both sites. No protected or particularly sensitive habitats were found (eg coral reefs). Detailed benthic survey results for locations T16 and T23 are being compiled and will be included as a supplement Appendix to the EIA report as soon as they become available. Fish

The waters around Greenland contain approximately 250 species of fish. Of these, 17 species of particular importance or common off West Greenland have been described in the EIA baseline. Thorny skate and Atlantic cod have been assessed to be Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the Greenland shark has been assessed to be Near Threatened and all other species are of Least Concern. Most fish will spawn inshore, away from the exploration block, or at other times of the year when drilling will not take place. The only species that may spawn in the shallow areas of the block in June is herring.


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Seabirds

Within Greenland there are 14 breeding seabird species along the coast in the vicinity of the licence area, with seaducks assembling to moult in summer and other species occurring only as migrant visitors during spring and autumn. Due to the harsh climate very few species overwinter in Greenland, although a number of seabirds winter off the coast around the edge of the fast coastal ice. Seabirds also aggregate in colonies along the coastline and up to 84% of all colonies in Greenland are on the west coast. Some species of seabird moult their feathers whilst at sea and can form large rafts of birds. These birds include common eider, king eider, Brünnich’s guillemot and little auk. During this time they are unable to fly but are still able to swim at some speed. Marine Mammals

There are 20 species of marine mammal that regularly occur in the waters and along the coast of western Greenland in the vicinity of the licence area: 13 species of whale, 5 species of seal, walrus and polar bear. Data on the numbers and movements of marine mammals off west Greenland remain sparse, although tracking and distribution studies are ongoing and likely presence of certain key species can be shown, such as the Beluga wintering grounds in Figure 7.


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Figure 7 Beluga Wintering Ground

Protected Areas and Threatened Species

Fin and blue whale are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Beluga and narwhal are listed as Critically Endangered and bowhead whale is listed as Near Threatened on Greenland’s Red List. All five seal species are listed as Least Concern or Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The harbour seal is listed as Critically Endangered on Greenland’s Red List. Walrus is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and polar bears as Vulnerable on both the IUCN and Greenland Red List. Atlantic cod and Thorny skate appear as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN red list, with Greenland shark listed as ‘Near Threatened’. A number of other species are placed in the category of ’Least Concern’, including Arctic skate, Atlantic salmon, Arctic char and common grenadier. The ivory gull is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN list, with other species listed as being of Least Concern. This differs from Greenland’s red list, which lists the common eider, thick-billed murre and ivory gull as Vulnerable; the Arctic tern, Atlantic puffin and Sabine’s gull as Near Threatened; and the black-legged kittiwake is listed as Endangered.


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Greenland has 11 Ramsar Sites (Wetlands of International Importance), of which six are found along the west coast. Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and several areas have also been designated nature reserves or bird protection areas. The legally protected areas in western Greenland are shown in Figure 8 below.

Figure 8 Protected Areas in Western Greenland

Important Bird Areas in western Greenland as identified by BirdLife International are shown in Figure 9 below.


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Figure 9 Important Bird Areas

THE PROJECT

Capricorn has a working interest in a total of eight exploration licences off the south and west coasts of Greenland, although the current drilling programme and the remit of this EIA is concerned solely with the planned exploration programme in Block 1, Sigguk. The drilling programme is planned to take place over three months, with a 37 day contingency for relief well drilling in case of a major unplanned event (see Table 1 below).

Table 1 Outline Drilling Schedule

2010 May June July August Sept Oct Nov

Mobilisation

Drilling (4 wells)

Relief Well

The Sigguk drilling campaign will involve the drilling of four wells in total. A permits for the first two wells have been received, however the locations of the second two wells will be finalised taking into account the results of initial


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drilling, but will be selected from four potential locations; T3, T4, T16 and T23. The drilling programme itself will employ a range of cutting-edge technology and operating standards to meet the challenges of drilling in the offshore Arctic environment. Two mobile offshore drill units (MODUs) (Figure 10) will be employed in order to provide a high degree of operational and safety contingency. A number of vessels will be employed to provide support and emergency cover for the operations, including supply boats, support vessels and ice management vessels. A ‘wareship’ will provide offshore storage and contingency accommodation, with helicopters and fixed wing aircraft used to transfer personnel to and from the field area, the support facilities and the international airport at Kangerlussuaq. Existing onshore facilities at Nuuk, Aasiaat and Ilulissat will be utilised for material lay down, helicopter operating base, handling of some wastes, supply of fuel, water and materials. The two MODUs are the Stena Forth, a modern drill ship designed to work in deep water and harsh conditions including broken ice, and the Stena Don, a dynamically-positioned semi-submersible drilling unit also designed for work in harsh environments. As both MODUs remain on station using thrusters there is no requirement for anchoring during normal operations.

Figure 10 Stena Forth Drillship and Stena Don Semi-Submersible Drilling Rig

Source: Photo courtesy of Stena

The planned drilling depths are between 3,000 and 4,000m below seabed. The drilling process uses drilling bits of different sizes to drill a series of holes from the seabed to the planned well depth. Water based muds will be used as drilling fluids which will be circulated inside of the drill string to the bit in order to remove cuttings and maintain stability. Although mainly water (around 75%), for the muds to work effectively, inert substances are also added such as barite and clays. Various other chemicals will be added to the mud to provide the qualities required for safe and efficient drilling. The chemicals used are assessed against international standards and ranked according to potential toxicity. The drilling programme will be carried out in


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full accordance with the conditions laid down by the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum. This includes registration to OSPAR (HOCNF) and the Danish product register PROBAS. Only chemicals classified as ‘green’ (Pose Little Or No Risk – so called PLONOR substances) or those classified as ‘yellow’ (i.e. fulfil specific conditions relating to toxicity, bioaccumulation and biodegradation according to Annex 1 of the OSPAR Recommendation 2000/4) will be used unless technical considerations dictate they are essential. In such cases chemicals will be only be used following further impact and toxicity information is submitted and approval received. Rock cuttings from the drilling process will be circulated back to the drilling unit where the muds are separated for reuse and the treated cuttings are discharged to sea. Between 500 and 740 m3 of cuttings are expected to be produced from each well. Modelling has shown that the majority of cuttings will be deposited within 300-800 m of the well location, with bottom deposition greater than 1 mm extending less than 200 m from each site. Once each section of the hole has been drilled, the drill string will be lifted out and casing will be lowered into the hole and cemented into place. At the end of the drilling programme the used muds will be discharged to sea. If drilling results indicate the presence of hydrocarbons, the wells may be tested. Testing is used to establish reservoir and fluid characteristics such as pressure and flow rate. If required, there will be a controlled flow of hydrocarbons back to the drill unit where they will be tested and flared. The likelihood of flaring being undertaken is estimated at less than 6% per well. If flaring is carried out it will involve an estimated 48 hrs of flow time spread over 5 days, with the total volume flared from each well estimated at around 30,000 barrels of oil, or 80 million cubic feet of gas. Any flaring will require permitting by the Greenland authorities and will be monitored for signs of incomplete combustion. An oil recovery vessel with full dispersant capability will be on standby throughout the process. Following completion, the wells will be plugged and suspended. Each well will have an industry standard wellhead at the surface, with a protective cover to prevent damage to or from the wellhead due to snagging or collision. Once all wells have been drilled, the MODUs and support vessels will demobilise to their next job or home base.

SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

The proposed exploration activity has the potential for sources of noise and atmospheric emissions, as well as physical disturbance and a variety of discharges and wastes. Those sources identified in this assessment are typical of drilling activities in waters around the world. There are no unusual or unique emissions, discharges or other potential sources of environmental impact. A detailed study of the potential impacts, sensitivity of receptors, mitigation measures and any residual impact has been carried out and is


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included within the EIA report. An overview of the main areas of impact, related operations and mitigation measures is shown in Table 2 below.

Table 2 Summary of Main Impact Areas, Operations and Mitigation Measures

Potential Impact

Source of Impact / Area of Operations

Mitigation Measures

Disruption to other sea users

Mobilisation, the 500m exclusion zone around drilling operations and vessel movements to and from the Project areas.

Early and ongoing consultation with local communities, authorities and other key stakeholders. Use of support vessels to alert other marine craft of the operations.

Seabed impacts

Entry of the drill bit and cuttings discharged from the drilling process.

Anchoring has been avoided by using DP drilling units. The seabed has been studied and sampled to establish

the baseline environment. No benthic habitats or species were identified which have limited distribution or are considered to be rare or protected.

Cuttings will be cleaned before being discharged and dispersion has been modelled to show the extent of seabed impact from the accumulation of cuttings.

Noise Underwater noise from drilling and the movement and positioning of the MODUs and vessels. Airborne noise from plant and machinery, plus helicopter and aircraft movements.

Regular maintenance programme for plant and machinery.

Noise levels are not high enough to cause harm to marine life and any behavioural response is expected to be temporary and short term.

Any use of a seismic source for well testing will follow industry best practice to minimise disturbance to marine mammals.

Helicopter travel will be planned taking into account sensitive coastal areas and periods to minimise disturbance.

Air quality Combustion emissions from plant and machinery on the MODUs and vessels. Emission to air from aircraft movements. Emissions to air from potential well test flaring.

Regular maintenance programme for plant and machinery.

Use of arctic grade low sulphur fuel to reduce emissions. Probability of flaring estimated at less than 10% per

well. Any flaring will be for a limited period (estimated at 48 hours over 5 days) and will be closely monitored with spill response vessels on standby.

Water quality

Discharges of ‘domestic’ drainage and sewage from the MODUs and vessels. Discharge of organic food waste offshore. Discharge of cuttings during drilling and release of drilling mud at the end of drilling. Use of chemical additives in the mud.

Sewage, grey water and kitchen waste will be treated, handled and discharged according to MARPOL standards.

Bilge and drainage water will be treated to MARPOL standards (< 15ppm oil in water).

Drilling will use only water based muds. All chemicals will be registered according to

international standards and the least impacting chemicals selected which will do the job.

Cuttings will be treated to remove mud for reuse. Any oil on cuttings from the formation will be separated

on the drilling unit. No oil on cutting will be discharged over the side if it will result in an oil sheen on the surface


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Potential Impact

Source of Impact / Area of Operations

Mitigation Measures

Waste Routine drilling operations will produce a range of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. Limited waste will also be produced from vessels and onshore as part of the support operations.

All solid wastes will be transferred to a registered waste management contractor for disposal at appropriate licensed facilities. No waste materials, other than cuttings and food waste, will be discharged to sea.

All wastes will be managed and disposed of according to the Waste Management t Plan, the Duty of Care and relevant legislation.

Waste oil from any unplanned event will be disposed of in accordance with the Oil Spill Plan.

Oil spills and unplanned events.

A major unplanned event such as a blow-out may release large quantities if crude oil into the environment. Storage and refuelling incidents may also cause the release of fuel or chemicals into the environment.

Two rigs are being used in order to provide contingency capability for relief well drilling.

Oil spill modelling has been carried out and a detailed oil spill contingency plan implemented.

Oil spill contingency measures in a transboundary context have been discussed with the Greenland and Canadian authorities based on modelling results;

In the case of a well control incident, the well will be closed in at the Blow-Out Preventer (BOP).

Operating procedures are in place for fuel and material transfers and onboard storage of hazardous materials.

An ice management plan will be adopted to help minimise the risk of collision with icebergs.

Refuelling operations will be conducted in calm weather conditions and closely monitored.

The mitigation measures outlined in the EIA and the overall Project Plan are the result of extensive industry experience with offshore exploration drilling, and are tried and tested. Furthermore, the management systems required to implement such measures are well understood and known to be effective. There is, therefore, a high level of confidence that potential effects will be reduced to levels As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) through the successful implementation of the management and mitigation measures detailed herein.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CAPRICORN GREENLAND EXPLORATION 1

1-1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

This study constitutes an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for an exploration drilling programme to be conducted within the Sigguk exclusive licence 2008/10, Disko West area off western Greenland, due to start in the summer of 2010 and finish before the end of the year (the Project). This EIA has been produced by Environmental Resources Management (ERM) on behalf of Capricorn Greenland Exploration-1 (Capricorn). Capricorn is planning to drill two additional exploration wells, further to the initial two exploration wells, in the Sigguk exclusive licence 2008/10 between June and the end of September 2010. Sigguk is located over 100 km from the nearest coastline in water depths ranging from approximately 250 to 1,800m.

1.2 SCOPE

The purpose of the EIA is to: Describe the physical, biological and human components of the

environment within the study area and to assess their sensitivities in the context of the intended exploration drilling programme.

Present details of the Project.

Identify potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed

exploration drilling programme. Assess the nature, significance and probability of impacts on

environmental and resources and receptors. Develop appropriate mitigation measures, together with management and

monitoring procedures that will seek to avoid, minimise or reduce potential impacts to a level as low as reasonably practicable.

This report has been compiled in order to meet with applicable Greenland legislation and standards, international guidance and the corporate policies and expectations of Cairn Energy (Cairn), the parent company of Capricorn. A full description of the legislation, standards and guidance applicable to the Project is provided in Chapter 2. Although human components of the environment are described within the Baseline Chapter where relevant to the outcome of the environmental impact assessment; social, economic and health factors are excluded from this scope


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of work as they are covered by the accompanying Social Impact Assessment (SIA) also produced by ERM on behalf of Capricorn. In preparation of this EIA, a comprehensive desktop study has been undertaken to inform the baseline environment. A literature review was conducted using reports provided by environmental organisations from Denmark and Greenland as well as information sourced during internet research. Field surveys have also been conducted to investigate the physical, chemical and biological environment and reports by the Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) employed during seismic surveys have been incorporated to provide up-to-date information on marine mammal sightings in the area. The geographical scope of the EIA encompasses the Sigguk exclusive licence 2008/10 (also referred to herein as the Licence Area) together with the wider marine and coastal environment where relevant to the potential impacts of the Project, although the EIA focuses in particular on the proposed drilling locations (refer to Figure 1.1; Project Location). The EIA is prefaced by a Non-Technical Summary (NTS) and in addition to this Chapter 1, it contains the following: Chapter 2 presents the policy, regulatory and administrative framework and

discusses certain relevant standards and guidelines; Chapter 3 describes the approach and assessment methodology; Chapter 4 presents the ‘baseline’ information on existing environmental

conditions pertinent to the study areas and intended Project activities ; Chapter 5 describes the Project and discusses the different project options

considered; Chapter 6 assesses potential impacts, describes proposed mitigation

measures and summarises the likely residual impacts, ie those predicted to remain after the application of mitigation measures;

Chapter 7 sets out the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plans that

Capricorn propose to apply to the Project; and Chapter 8 summarises the key findings and conclusions of the EIA. In addition, the Appendices contain a number of items of supporting information relevant to the EIA, such as species lists and modelling data.

EE

EE

Qaanaaq

Aasiaat

Qeqertaq

TasiilaqSisimiut

Nunatsiaq

Upernavik

Uummannaq

Ilulissat

Nunap IsuaNanortalik

Kangerlussuaq

Grønne EjlandQerqertarsuaq

Paamiut (Frederikshåb)

Maniitsoq (Sukkertoppen)

Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund)

Nuuk

NarsaqQaqortoq

CLIENT: SIZE: TITLE:

DATE: 28/06/2010

DRAWN: CJ

CHECKED: RB

APPROVED: JP

PROJECT: 0108885

As scale barDRAWING: REV:

KEY: Capricorn Greenland Exploration-1 A4 Figure 1.1

Project Location

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Sigguk Licence AreaPlacename

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SOURCE: Capricorn Greenland Exploration-1PROJECTION: WGS 1984 UTM Zone 21N

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ERMEaton HouseWallbrook CourtNorth Hinksey LaneOxford, OX2 0QSTelephone: 01865 384800Facsimile: 01865 204982

© ERM This print is confidential and is supplied on the understanding that it will be used only as a record to identify or inspect parts, concepts or designs and that it is not disclosed to other persons or to be used for construction purposes without permission.


1-4

1.3 PROPONENT

Capricorn Greenland Exploration-1 (‘Capricorn’) is a subsidiary of Cairn Energy PLC (‘Cairn’). Cairn is an independent, public oil and gas exploration and production company based in Edinburgh, Scotland and quoted on the London Stock Exchange. Cairn Energy, through its subsidiary Capricorn, has secured a working interest in a total of eight exploration licences off the south and west coasts of Greenland (see Table 1.1). These Licences have been the subject of previous Preliminary Impact Assessments and seismic surveys by the company.

Table 1.1 Summary of Capricorn interests offshore Greenland

Licence and Block Name Working Interest (%) Acreage (km2) Exclusive Licence 2008/10 (Sigguk) 87.50 11,033 Exclusive Licence 2008/11 (Eqqua) 87.50 11,991 Exclusive Licence 2008/13 (Saqqamiut) 92.00 10,122 Exclusive Licence 2008/14 (Kingittoq) 92.00 11,937 Exclusive Licence 2009/10 (Uummanrarsuaq) 92.00 9,929 Exclusive Licence 2009/11 (Saliit) 92.00 10,165 Exclusive Licence 2002/15 (Atammik) 40.00 3,981 Exclusive Licence 2005/06 (Lady Franklin) 40.00 2,898

1.4 PROJECT SCHEDULE

The proposed drilling programme will utilise a two rig strategy, whereby two separate mobile offshore drill units (MODUs) are utilised to drill different wells during the overall project window. The first drill unit will mobilise and begin operations ahead of the second unit, with both units expected to be operating in parallel within the project area for around three months. The first MODU is a drill ship, which is expected to mobilise to the Project area in June 2010. The second drill unit is a semisubmersible rig which will be mobilised approximately one month behind the drill ship. All four wells are expected to be completed by the end of September. A broad outline of the proposed schedule is presented in Figure 1.2 below.

Figure 1.2 Outline Drilling Schedule

2010 May June July August Sept Oct Nov

Mobilisation

Drilling (4 wells)

Relief Well

1.5 EXPLORATION HISTORY – DISKO WEST 1970 TO 2005

Whilst there has not been any exploration wells drilled within the Sigguk block in the past, there has been activity on the west coast of Greenland since the 1970s. The following provides an overview of these activities offshore West Greenland carried out before Cairn signed licence agreements for the


1-5

exploration of hydrocarbons in the Sigguk, Eqqua, Saqqamiut and Kingittoq blocks in January 2008. Early Exploration: 1970-78

Early 1970s – Comprehensive seismic surveys (almost 21,000 line km) were conducted in response to a large rise in fuel prices.

1975 – A further 16,000 line km of seismic data collected in licences granted

to Amoco, Chevron, ARCO, Mobil, Total, and Ultramar. 1976 and 1977 – five exploration wells drilled: Hellefisk-1; Ikermiut-1;

Kangâmiut-1; Nukik-1; and Nukik-2. All were to the south of Sigguk. Late 1978 – Exploration was discontinued and all wells were declared dry

by the operators (although re-investigations of the data in 1997 suggested a discovery in Kangâmiut-1).

1990–93: New Seismic Surveys

1990 – A speculative seismic survey was conducted by Halliburton Geophysical Services Inc (HGS).

1990-92 – Re-interpretation of older seismic data and re-evaluation of the

wells suggested that the areas offshore West Greenland had been abandoned prematurely. 6,638 km of seismic data were obtained by the Geological Survey of Greenland (now GEUS).

1992–94: Licensing Rounds and Open-Door Policy

1992-93 – A licensing round for areas offshore West Greenland south of 66°N was held. However, no applications were submitted.

1994 – An open-door policy for offshore areas south of 70°30'N in West

Greenland was introduced. 1994–96: Licences in the Fylla area

Early 1993 – The Geological Survey of Greenland found very large, tilted fault blocks with seismic anomalies in the form of cross-cutting reflectors (CCRs) on one of the 1992 seismic lines west of Nuuk (the Fylla area). Subsequently, Nunaoil acquired 1,706 km of speculative seismic data over the Fylla area which confirmed the existence of CCRs.

Summer of 1995 – GEUS acquired a total of 3,745 km of seismic data in the

region around Disko and Nuussuaq and farther south around the Kângamiut-1 well.


1-6

1996 – A licence covering 9,487 km² was awarded to a consortium consisting of Statoil (operator), Phillips Petroleum, Dansk Olie og Naturgas (DONG) and Nunaoil (as carried partner) in response to the Fylla data.

1997–98: Sisimiut West Licence Signed; Further Seismic Acquisition

1997 – 2,300 km of speculative seismic data were acquired by Nunaoil, mainly in the Hecla Rise area to the west of the Fylla area.

June 1998 – A new licence off Sisimiut in West Greenland was signed

covering an area of 4,744 km². The licence is held by Phillips Petroleum (operator), Statoil, and DONG, with Nunaoil as carried partner in the exploration phase.

1998 – Speculative surveys were carried out by Fugro-Geoteam acquiring

3,098 km of data north and south of the Fylla area and by Nunaoil who acquired 1,760 km in the region around the Sisimiut West licence.

1999: New Petroleum Licensing Policy for Greenland; More Speculative Seismic Surveys

April 1999 – A new petroleum licensing policy for Greenland was announced which included a licensing round in the region between 63°N and 68°N and a re-establishment of the open-door policy for other areas both onshore and offshore.

1999 – Seismic surveys were carried out in both the Fylla and the Sisimiut

West licence areas. 1999 – TGS-NOPEC acquired 2,897 km of speculative seismic data in the

area designated for the 2001 licensing round. 2000-2001: Drilling of Exploration Well in the Fylla Licence; More Speculative Seismic Surveys; Relinquishment of Licences

10th July 2000 – The exploration well in the eastern part of the Fylla Licence (Qulleq-1) spudded. The well was plugged and abandoned on 25 September after being declared dry.

TGS-NOPEC acquired a further 6,332 km of speculative seismic data in the

Sisimiut West licence area. Melville Bay (northernmost Baffin Bay) acquisition of 1,340 km of seismic

data to follow up on the KANUMAS project, funded by BMP. Shallow seismic survey undertaken around Nuussuaq by GEUS. A total of

2740 km of data were acquired.


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Summer 2001 - three seismic surveys acquired: a regional survey by TGS-NOPEC and BMP, a survey in the northern open-door area by TGS-NOPEC; and a survey in the western part of the Fylla licence area by the Statoil group.

15th January 2002 – BMP announces the Fylla and the Sisimiut-West licences

relinquished as of 31st December 2001. 2002: Licensing Round offshore West Greenland and new seismic surveys

Offshore west Greenland Licensing Round (2002) announced. EnCana granted a licence covering 3985 sq. km. in the Nuuk Basin in October 2002.

Four seismic surveys completed offshore West Greenland during 2002. 2003: Seismic data acquisition, seabed sampling programme and preparations for 2004 Licensing Round

BMP announces new licensing round offshore West Greenland. Seabed sampling programme carried out on selected locations offshore

West Greenland. Nearly 9000 km of seismic data acquired offshore West and South

Greenland. 2004-2005: Licence Round and granting of Licences

1st April 2004 Licence Round opens. Four areas offered for licensing. July 2004 - Arctic Petroleum Assessment Conference and Excursion held in

Ilulissat. August 2004 - Major sea bed sampling programme carried out offshore

West Greenland. January 2005 - licence granted to EnCana and Nunaoil in the Lady Franklin

Basin.

1.6 SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Key information sources used in the preparation of this EIA were provided by:

National Environmental Research Institute (NERI), Aarhus University,

Denmark; Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR); Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI);


1-8

Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS); and Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum (BMP), Greenland. In addition to operational and management information provided by the client and relevant subcontractors. The information sources used in the preparation of this EIA are referenced throughout the report and include the following categories of data: Biological studies, observations and distribution mapping; Coastal sensitivity mapping; Metocean (meteorological and oceanographic) reports; Environmental survey results and geophysical site survey data; Current modelling studies; Oil spill trajectory and cuttings dispersion studies; Ice studies; Applicable legislation, standards, guidelines and codes of practice; Equipment specifications and operational plans, including logistics; Well designs and subsurface studies; and Previous EIAs and SEAs for the Project area. A field study was conducted in 2009 to collect metocean, sediment, geophysical, benthic and water quality data from the Sigguk licence area. A second field study was undertaken between 11th May and 5th June 2010 to collect geophysical, sediment and benthic data from the proposed T3, T4, T16 and T23 well sites. The work scope was undertaken by Benthic Solutions Limited, supported by McGregor Geosciences Limited and monitored by an RPS Energy environmental representative onboard the survey vessel. Some further acoustic survey operations were carried out by McGregor Geosciences on a second survey vessel.


2-1

2 POLICY, REGULATORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

2.1 APPLICABILITY TO THE EIA AND SIA

This section includes information on the relevant national and international legislative tools that apply to the exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons offshore Western Greenland. Due to the overlap in scope, legislation and policy is outlined that is relevant to both the Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and a single Chapter on the policy, regulatory and administrative framework has been therefore been prepared for inclusion in both the EIA and SIA reports. The applicability of the legislation to either the environmental or social assessment has been stated below where relevant.

2.2 NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

Greenland has been under home-rule from Denmark since 1979, with more competencies being transferred to the local government in 2008. Since the creation of the Home Rule Government, Greenland has been steadily increasing its self-governance, particularly with regard to the exploitation of natural resources. In 2009, the country's status changed as 'self rule' was introduced and reference is now simply made to the 'Greenland Government' rather than to the 'Home Rule Government'. Greenland and other Nordic countries and autonomous regions are members of the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers which facilitates parliamentary cooperation between member states. The Nordic countries have close cooperation on nature and environmental issues. Co-operation on environmental issues operates using four year environmental action plans which set out the priorities of Nordic cooperation on environmental matters and formulates the political themes and areas of focus of this cooperation. The Environmental Action Programme 2009-2012 has recently been published (www.norden.org) and focuses on climate change, the use and discharge of hazardous chemicals, protection of marine ecosystems and protection and utilisation of biological diversity. Greenland was also one of the founders of the environmental Arctic Council cooperation in 1996. The following national legislation and guidelines will apply to the proposed 2010 Sigguk exploration drilling program (the Project) which is the focus of the assessments:


2-2

Table 2.1 Summary of National Legislation Applicable to Offshore Exploration

Title Summary & Relevance Year Applicability Greenland Parliament Act no. 7 of December 7, 2009, on mineral resources and mineral resource activities (The Mineral Resources Act), together with associated published commentary (2009).

The Minerals Resources Act defines the roles and responsibilities of the Government and Operators, specifies amongst other things Licensing details, environmental requirements, data ownership and health and safety. A licence must be granted before exploration drilling can be conducted and the drilling program must conform to the scope of licence obtained.

2009 EIA and SIA

Guidelines for preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Activities Related to Exploration, Development, Production and Transport of Hydrocarbons Offshore Greenland of 1st June 2009 (revised 2010 version pending), (The EIA Guidelines)

The EIA Guidelines were revised in 2009 by the BMP. These guidelines provide details of the content to be included and other general requirements for the EIA. The Guidelines specify the EIA process, data requirements, publication and consultation procedures and information sources.

2009 EIA

Executive Order on health, safety and the environment in connection with offshore hydrocarbon activities in Greenland (HES Executive Order) – (pending - formal version expected March 2010).

The draft Executive Order sets out the general obligations, management systems and HSE reporting requirements for businesses, the procedures for approvals and licences, risk assessment and emergency procedures to be employed and the requirements for environmental protection.

2010 EIA and SIA

Guidelines for submitting applications for approval of offshore installations for hydrocarbon exploration in Greenland, with particular emphasis on HSE (Health, Safety and Environmental) requirements (2006).

Currently applicable but subject to revision. The 2006 Guidelines set out the legal framework, management system requirements, safety and emergency response, permitting, reporting and documentation expectations.

2006 EIA and SIA

Guidelines for Social Impact Assessments for Mining Projects in Greenland (November 2009).

Although targeted at mining exploitation (ie development) projects, these guidelines; “…shall with relevant modifications serve as guidelines for mineral exploration projects and for petroleum projects when required by the BMP”. These guidelines provide details on how the SIA process should be conducted, the content to be included and other general requirements for the SIA.

2009 SIA

Act No. 882 of 25 August 2008 on Safety at Sea

Act by which the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974 and the International Convention for the Prevention of

2008 EIA and SIA


2-3

Title Summary & Relevance Year Applicability Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL) are implemented into Greenlandic law

The Greenland Working Environment Act No. 1048 of 26 October 2005 (The Working Environment Act).

Act No. 295 of 4 June 1986 on the Working Environment in Greenland was enacted with the amendments provided for in section 3 of Act No. 193 of 26 March 1991 and Act No. 321 of 18 May 2005. The Greenland Working Environment Act seeks to create a safe and healthy working environment and establishes rules governing the health, safety and wellbeing of workers.

SIA

Consolidated Act No. 368 of 18 June 1998 on Mineral Resources in Greenland, as amended.

The 1998 Mineral Resources Act aims to ensure the proper exploitation of mineral resources in Greenland and sets out the procedures for licensing, scientific studies, responsibilities of the various organisations and regulatory provision.

1998 EIA and SIA

In addition, the Government of Greenland, Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum (BMP) has produced Seismic Survey Standards for Offshore West Greenland (May 2003). Although these guidelines apply primarily to seismic surveys, some elements will also apply to exploration drilling and associated activities (for example vessels, HSE requirements, certain well testing activities). A revised edition of these standards is due for release in the first quarter of 2010.

2.3 INTERNATIONAL TREATIES AND CONVENTIONS

Although Greenland originally joined the European Communities with Denmark in 1973, it subsequently changed its status in 1985 to become a European overseas territory. In 1979, the Greenland Home Rule was created and since then Greenland has signed a number of international treaties, agreements and conventions with regard to the environment. This section summarises selected global and regional environmental conventions and protocols to which Greenland is a signatory (Table 2.2). The conventions summarised below are not specific to oil and gas exploration operations, although their subject matter is relevant to the potential impacts of such operations on the environment. A guide to whether each item is directly applicable to the EIA or SIA (or both) is provided in the final column.


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Table 2.2 Summary of International Conventions and Agreements Applicable to Offshore Exploration in Date Order

Title Summary & Relevance Year Applicability Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention)

Provides framework for national and international cooperation for the conservation and use of wetlands and their resources. Greenland has a number of Ramsar sites including several on the west coast between Kangerlussuaq and Aasiaat and on Disko Island. Any impacts to protected wetlands will therefore be encompassed by this Convention. However, this convention has only minor relevance to offshore exploration.

1971 In force through the kingdom of Denmark

EIA

Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and National Heritage (UNESCO / World Heritage Convention)

Aims to promote cooperation among nations to protect heritage from around the world that is of such outstanding universal value that its conservation is important for current and future generations. Ilulissat Icefjord on the west coast of Greenland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located approximately 250km east of the Licence Area and has only minor relevance to offshore exploration.

1972 In force through the kingdom of Denmark

EIA and SIA

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES/ Washington Convention)

Controls the trade in endangered species, eg polar bear, walrus, narwhal. This Convention would apply in cases where endangered species were being imported/ exported and is therefore unlikely to be directly applicable to the Project.

1973 EIA and SIA in relation to hunted species.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS or Bonn Convention)

Included as part of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species (those that regularly cross international boundaries, including international waters). There are a number of migratory species present off the west coast of Greenland, as detailed in the Baseline Chapter of the EIA, and the protection of these species will fall under this Convention.

1979 EIA and SIA in relation to hunted species.

United Nations Convention on the

Comprehensive regime of law and order in the world's oceans and seas

1982 EIA and SIA


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Title Summary & Relevance Year Applicability Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

establishing rules governing all uses of the oceans and their resources. This Convention establishes the rights of coastal states, including navigation rights and the exploration for and exploitation of resources, such as oil and gas.

The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR Convention)

Guides international cooperation on the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic. It combined and updated the 1972 Oslo Convention on dumping waste at sea and the 1974 Paris Convention on land-based sources of marine pollution. This convention has been signed by all EU Member States, as well as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. The North-East Atlantic is defined as extending Westward to the east coast of Greenland. Although it is not directly applicable to the Project area lying off the west coast of Greenland, OSPAR standards and requirements are being followed as good practice.

1992 EIA

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Under this convention, developed countries are required to take measures aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gasses (in particular carbon dioxide), and to provide assistance to developing countries. Climate Change data for Greenland are collated and reported by the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) along with figures for Denmark and the Faroe Islands.

1992 EIA and SIA

Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal (Basel Convention)

Aims to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects resulting from the generation, management, transboundary movements and disposal of hazardous and other wastes. Any hazardous wastes produced by the survey which require International shipment for disposal are likely to be encompassed by the legislation.

1992 EIA and SIA

Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention establishes three main goals: the conservation of

1992 EIA and SIA


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Title Summary & Relevance Year Applicability (CBD) biological diversity, the sustainable

use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources. The Convention guides national strategies and policies and implements themes such as sustainable use and the precautionary principle. Its application to the Project will be through the implementation of National laws and regulations.

International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

The IUCN assesses the conservation status of animal and plant species and assigns a threat level to each. Lists of threatened species status (IUCN red lists) are published for different countries. A number of species from the IUCN lists are likely to be found in the survey area and are described more fully in the Baseline Chapter of the EIA.

Founded 1948. Red List started in 1963 and updated annually. In force through the kingdom of Denmark

EIA

IMO Conventions

Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (The London Convention)

Aims to prevent pollution of the sea from the dumping of waste and other matter liable to create hazards, harm living resources and marine life, damage amenities or to interfere with other legitimate uses of the sea. The dumping of Annex I materials is prohibited, Annex II materials require a prior special permit and all other wastes require a prior general permit. Any release of waste material to sea from the drilling or support vessels will be regulated under this Convention.

1972 EIA

Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78)

Considers and seeks to prevent pollution by oil, chemicals, and harmful substances in packaged form, sewage and garbage from ships. The MARPOL requirements apply to the operation of vessels and regulate releases to air and water, including sewage, garbage, oil and gaseous emissions.

1973 EIA

Convention on Oil Parties to the OPRC convention are 1990 EIA and SIA


2-7

Title Summary & Relevance Year Applicability Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC 90)

required to establish measures for dealing with pollution incidents, either nationally or in co-operation with other countries. Ships are required to carry a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan to be developed by IMO. Oil pollution emergency plans and procedures aligned to IMO requirements will be in place through a project specific Oil Spill Response Plan.

Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC 1992)

Covers pollution damage caused in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or equivalent area of a State Party. Large scale fuel oil releases from a drilling vessel are extremely unlikely given the quantities of fuel onboard. An unexpected release of oil during drilling would have a greater impact. Details of the appropriate mitigation measures are summarised in Chapter 7; Environmental Mitigation & Monitoring and detailed in the Project Oil Spill Response Plan.

Amended in 1992

EIA and SIA

Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (Convention on anti-fouling systems)

The International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships will prohibit the use of harmful organo-tins in anti-fouling paints used on ships and will establish a mechanism to prevent the potential future use of other harmful substances in anti-fouling systems. Anti-fouling coatings on the vessel’s hulls will be controlled by this Convention in order to limit polluting effects in the marine environment.

2001 EIA

Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (Convention on Ballast Water)

Aim to prevent, minimise and ultimately eliminate the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through the control and management of ballast water and sediments. The drilling vessels are not used to transport large loads and the exchange of ballast water during the drilling program will therefore be limited. Management of ballast water exchange will be undertaken in compliance with MARPOL.

2004 EIA


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2.3.1 Transboundary Agreements

Greenland has signed up to a number of agreements that provide guidance on the protection of marine animals that have distributions across international boundaries (Table 2.3). In addition, Greenland is a member of several international organisations that advise on the sustainable use of Greenland’s marine resources such as the North East Atlantic Fishery Commission (NEAFC), North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO), and International Whaling Commission (IWC).

Table 2.3 Summary of Transboundary Agreements Applicable to Offshore Exploration

Name Summary Countries/Areas Involved

Applicability

The International Whaling Commission (IWC)

Makes decisions on whaling quotas and guidelines for best practices for whaling and for the protection of whales. For background information only. Does not apply to exploration drilling.

International agreement among over 80 member nations

EIA and SIA

Joint Commission on Conservation and Management of Narwhal and Beluga (JCNB)

Issues specific management recommendations in terms of hunting levels and protection of narwhal and beluga. Provides information on the status and vulnerability of these species, which are likely to be present in the Project area.

Greenland and Canada

EIA and SIA

North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO)

Issues specific management recommendations in terms of hunting levels and protection. As above. Does not directly apply to exploration drilling, although it will affect the sensitivity of these species to additional impacts.

Greenland, Iceland, Norway, the Faeroe Islands

EIA and SIA

Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO)

Agreement on fisheries covering the northwest Atlantic outside the 200 nautical mile zone. For background information on fisheries only. Unlikely to directly apply to exploration drilling.

International agreement among 14 countries

SIA only

International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES)

Advises on fishing in waters between Greenland and Iceland. For background information on fisheries only.

Applies to North Atlantic countries such as Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands).

SIA only

The Agreement on Conservation of Polar

Protects polar bears in the circumpolar countries.

International agreement between

EIA and SIA


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Name Summary Countries/Areas Involved

Applicability

Bears There should be no direct interaction between the exploration drilling program and polar bear populations.

the States of the Arctic region.

Circumpolar Eider Conservation Strategy

Protects eiders in the circumpolar countries. Guides efforts to conserve, protect, and restore eider populations.

Circumpolar agreement

EIA and SIA

Agreement for cooperation relating to the marine environment

This Agreement ensures appropriate measures are applied in the area between the countries to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment from seabed and subsoil natural resource exploration and exploitation activities.

Denmark and Canada

EIA only

The Agreement between Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden Concerning Cooperation in Measures to deal with Pollution of the Sea by Oil or other Harmful Substances

This Agreement ensures the cooperation of States to protect the marine environment against pollution by oil or other harmful substances and specifies monitoring, reporting and pollution handling measures for incidents that occur within the respective States’ territorial sea, EEZ and continental shelf.

Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden

EIA only

Greenland is a member of the Arctic Council which was established in 1996. It aims to provide a means for promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States; Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, and the United States. There are also six permanent indigenous participants including the Inuit Circumpolar Council which represents Inuit from Greenland, Canada, Alaska and Chukotka. The Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy, which began in 1991 and was continued as part of the activities of the Arctic Council, developed the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) to provide, “reliable and sufficient information on the status of, and threats to, the Arctic environment, and provide scientific advice on actions to be taken in order to support Arctic governments in their efforts to take remedial and preventive actions relating to contaminants”. AMAP has produced a document on the state of oil and gas activities in the Arctic and their effects and potential effects entitled ‘Arctic Oil and Gas 2007’. Whilst this document is not guidance for the oil and gas industry, it does provide useful information on the environmental, social and economic and health impacts of current oil and gas activities in the Arctic. The document


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also provides recommendations on how oil and gas activities should be managed in order to minimise impacts to the environment. The Arctic council has produced Arctic Offshore Oil and Gas Guidelines (2009) that suggest operational steps to follow when planning for Arctic offshore oil and gas activities.

2.4 INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FOR THE EXPLORATION AND

PRODUCTION INDUSTRY

This section provides an overview of the guidelines and standards that are produced within the Exploration and Production (E&P) sector. Capricorn is committed to ensuring that work is completed in accordance with international good industry practices in line with the standards and guidance shown in Table 2.4. The project will also be conducted within the framework of internal standards and commitments of Capricorn, the drilling management contractor Senergy and the drill rig operators, Stena Drilling. The environmental management of the project will follow the procedures and requirements as specified in Cairn Energy’s Corporate Responsibility Management System (CRMS) which incorporates health, safety and environment (HSE), corporate social responsibility (CSR) and security. The operations will also have to maintain compliance with Cairn Energy’s corporate responsibility (CR) commitments and procedures, comprising: Group Health Safety and Environment (HSE) Policy; Group Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy; Group Security Policy; and Group Corporate Responsibility (CR) Guiding Principles. These policies and management procedures will be bridged to the contractors own management system and implemented through a bespoke Project Plan and Emergency Response Plan, as defined in more detail in Chapter 7 of the EIA.

Table 2.4 Applicable Industry Standards and Guidance Documents

Guideline Date Standard Summary E&P Forum: Exploration and Production (E&P) Waste Management Guidelines

1993 Guidance is provided on area-specific waste management planning and methods for the handling and treatment of primarily drilling and production related waste streams.

Environmental Guidelines for Exploration Operations in Near-Shore and Sensitive Areas (UK Offshore Operators Association Ltd (UKOOA)

1995 Useful guidance is provided regarding the planning and execution of seismic and drilling operations including liaison with government authorities and fishing organisations, preparation of contingency plans and waste management.


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Guideline Date Standard Summary Guidelines for Fisheries Liaison, Issue 5

2008 Although most relevant to offshore seismic and survey work, these Guidelines are also applicable to support vessels. Where commercial fishing activities may be impacted, liaison with fishing organisations is recommended. The latest guidelines include a new detailed and expanded section for assessing fishing claims, as well as the code of practice for interaction with inshore static gear fisheries.

E&P Forum / UNEP: Environmental Management in Oil and Gas exploration and Production

1997

This publication provides an overview of the environmental issues and technical and management approaches to achieving high environmental performance in oil and gas exploration and production.

Arctic Council Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment Working Group: Arctic Offshore Oil & Gas Guidelines

2009

These Guidelines are intended to be of use at all stages during planning, exploration and development of offshore oil and gas activities and aim to protect arctic marine environment. Source: http://www.bmp.gl/

Arctic Council Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment Guidelines for Transfer of Refined Oil and Oil Products in Arctic Waters (TROOP)

2004 These guidelines have been provided for vessels supplying oil to Arctic communities, industries, and other vessels working in the Arctic. The aim is to prevent cargo/fuel oil spillage, and the resulting environmental damage, during transfer between any two vessels or between a vessel and shore facility.

Arctic Environment Protection Strategy; Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in the Arctic.

1997 These guidelines summarise the key Tasks and Objectives of an arctic environment EIA, detail the particular considerations at each stage of the process and provide the specific factors of working in an arctic environment that need to be accounted for in the EIA.

OGP Guidelines: Oil & gas exploration & production in arctic offshore regions: Guidelines for environmental protection

2002

These guidelines were written for operations in UK waters, but the principles, standards and operating procedures are applicable in other parts of the world and should be referred to where this would provide best practice guidance.

OGP Key Questions in Managing Social Issues in Oil and Gas Projects

2002 This guidance document discusses the types of social issues and questions that should be considered at each stage of the Project’s life-cycle.

3 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW OF THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS

This impact assessment (IA) has been undertaken following a systematic process that predicts and evaluates the impacts the proposed Project is expected to have on aspects of the physical and biological/natural environments (for the Environmental Impact Assessment) and human/socio-economic aspects (for the Social Impact Assessment), and identifies measures that the Company will take to avoid, reduce, remedy, offset or compensate for adverse impacts, and to provide benefits, as far as is reasonably practicable. The overall approach followed is shown schematically in Figure 3.1 and the key steps are described in the subsequent section. It should be noted that IA is not a linear process, but one in which findings are revisited and modified as the Project and its IA progress.

Figure 3.1 Overview of IA Approach


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3.2 SCREENING

The screening stage of the impact assessment process looks at the type of project and the applicable framework of legislation and standards to determine whether an assessment is required and form and scale of impact assessment that should be carried out. Screening for this project has been undertaken through a review of the applicable national and client corporate standards and through a series of

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consultation meetings with the Greenland authorities (through the BMP) and applicable consultees such as NERI. Consultations have been held in Denmark and Greenland during 2009 and 2010 and have involved representatives from Cairn, ERM, the BMP and NERI. The outcome of the early screening discussions established the requirement for an EIA for offshore exploration drilling and defined the broad scope and content of the study. Subsequent discussions further refined the requirements and legal framework for undertaking the Environmental Impact Assessment for offshore drilling and also established the requirement for a separate Social Impact Assessment.

3.3 SCOPING

The first stage in any impact assessment is to identify the likely significant impacts of the Project that will require investigation and to develop the resulting terms of reference for the assessment studies. This involves the systematic consideration of the potential for interaction between activities involved in developing the Project and aspects of the physical and natural environment that may be affected. The interaction between Project activities and aspects of the social and socio-economic environment are considered within the Social Impact Assessment. The definition of the Project and its area of influence, and the types of impacts that have been addressed in this assessment are outlined below, including description of the spatial and temporal scope of the assessment. Further details are provided in the individual specialist sections of the report. Definition of the Project and its Area of Influence The Project is defined as including all those actions and activities which are a necessary part of the operations including all related and ancillary facilities without which the Project cannot proceed. In this instance, the Project is deemed to include the activities of the drilling units (MODUs) and support vessels, resupply, refuelling and crew-change operations, waste management as far as receipt by a registered waste carrier, survey planning and emergency preparedness. The temporal scope of the Project is taken as being from the time vessels, equipment and personnel enter Greenland territory to their demobilisation from Greenland at the end of the exploration drilling programme. It is understood that the MODUs will utilise the port of Aasiaat for crew-changing and for providing logistical support through facilities operated by Royal Arctic Line (RAL), with Sisimiut utilised for resupply and refuelling, again through RAL facilities. Personnel will fly into and out of Greenland via the international airport at Kangerlussuaq, before transferring to Aasiaat. A wareship moored offshore will also be used to store materials and re-supply the drilling operations, as well as to provide contingency accommodation in case of delays with flight transfers during crew changes. The definition of the Project excludes activities which are prompted to occur by the Project but which are not essential to its development and are undertaken by others, but, as noted below, the impacts of these developments are nevertheless taken into account in the assessment. Impacts have been assessed for all phases of Project development from project planning and contractor management through to mobilisation into Greenland waters, well drilling and support operations, well testing and close-out activities and demobilisation of the drill ship, semi-submersible rig and support craft from the Project area.


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Impacts have been assessed throughout the Area of Influence of the Project. This varies depending on the type of impact being considered and is defined in later specialist sections of the report. In each case it includes all that area within which it is considered that significant impacts could occur and takes into account: the physical extent of the operations, defined by the limits of the Exploration License Area; the nature of the baseline environment (biological, physical and socio-economic) and

manner in which impacts are likely to be propagated beyond the Project boundary (for example underwater sound).

The area of influence may also extend across administrative or national boundaries and the assessment includes such trans-boundary effects.

Types of Impact The assessment has considered positive and negative impacts of the Project on physical natural, social and socio-economic resources and receptors. Positive or beneficial impacts are those which are considered to present an improvement to

the baseline or to introduce a new desirable factor. Negative or adverse impacts are the reverse. Aspects of the environment include: The physical environment includes geology and soils, land (eg coastlines), hydrology and

hydrogeology, surface and ground water resources, air, noise, vibration, light and other forms of radiation.

The biological or natural environment includes aquatic and terrestrial habitats, flora and fauna; biodiversity and the community, species and genetic levels; protected areas and ecosystem values.

The cultural environment includes tangible and intangible sites and features of archaeological, historic, traditional, cultural or aesthetic interest, together with traditions and cultural practices and events. These aspects of the environment are considered within the Social Impact Assessment.

The social and socioeconomic environment includes people and their homes, lands and other resources; their health, welfare, amenity, safety and security; lifestyles including subsistence activities, employment and incomes; business premises and economic activity; community facilities; infrastructure; local, regional and national economies. These aspects of the environment are considered within the Social Impact Assessment.

The term resources is used to describe features of the environment such as water resources, habitats, species, landscapes, etc which are valued by society for their intrinsic worth and/or their social or economic contribution. The term receptors is used to define people and communities who may be affected by the Project.

Timeframe Impacts include: permanent impacts that will arise from irreversible changes in conditions such as the removal of features; temporary impacts that will arise during short term activities such as construction or decommissioning; and longer term impacts that will arise over the duration of operational project activities. Short and long term impacts will cease on completion of the drilling activities although there may be a period before the environment returns to its previous condition. Within each of these categories, the assessment considers impacts which are one-off or recurrent, and continuous or intermittent. If intermittent they may occur at varying frequency, and at regular (eg seasonally) or irregular intervals (eg depending on operating or weather conditions).


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Direct, Induced and Higher Order Impacts The assessment includes direct impacts arising from activities associated with the Project (primary impacts) and impacts that follow on as a consequence of these (secondary and higher order impacts). So for example underwater sound from dynamic positioning thrusters on the MODUs may have a direct short term behavioural affect on the movement of fish. This temporary displacement of fish stocks may subsequently have either a positive or negative secondary effect on catch levels (depending on whether fish are displaced towards or away from established fishing grounds), however given the short-term nature there is unlikely to be any tertiary impact on economic performance or livelihoods. Projects can also have induced impacts by stimulating other developments to take place which are not directly within the scope of or essential to the development of the Project. So for example, a Project may encourage people to move into an area attracted by the possibility of employment even though they may not actually obtain jobs at the facility, and as a result lead to building of new homes and other facilities. A new road or harbour improvement could encourage business to relocate because of access improvements, although this may not have been the intention of the developer. Given the short duration of the exploration drilling programme, it is not likely that there will be any induced impacts from further stimulated developments. Should this current phase of exploration drilling lead to subsequent production, induced impacts could potentially become pertinent and this is considered further within the Social Impact Assessment.

Cumulative Impacts The Project may also be taking place at the same time as other operations causing impacts affecting the same resources or receptors, such that there will be cumulative effects with the proposed Project. The impacts of other projects already underway or committed have been taken into account in describing the future baseline for the Project (ie the without Project situation against which the impacts of the Project are assessed), however, if there are other developments in the area which are in preparation or envisaged, but which are not yet committed, the cumulative effect of these with the Project is considered. The Project definition encompasses the activities of both MODUs and the associated support operations. As such, the most likely potential cumulative impact from exploration drilling occurs where other operators are intending to drill or acquire seismic data in areas which may cause impacts affecting the same resources or receptors (eg marine mammals or fish). Where a particular resource of receptor is affected by more than one type of impact from the Project the combined impact of these on the receptor will also be taken into account.

Routine and Non-Routine Impacts Finally the EIA has assessed both: routine impacts resulting from planned activities of the Project; and non-routine impacts arising from: unplanned or accidental events within the Project such as equipment breakdown or

catastrophic failure; and external events affecting the operation such as extreme weather activity. The impact of non-routine events is assessed in terms of the Risk ie taking into account both the consequence of the event and the probability of occurrence (Risk = probability x consequence)

The aim of scoping has been to focus the assessment on the likely significant impacts. An initial scan of the Project and its environment was undertaken using early project and baseline data to identify all possible impacts. Those which might be expected to be significant were then identified taking into


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account legislation, policy and good practice, the judgement of the specialists within the team and the views of consultees.

3.3.1 Consultation

Initial consultation has been undertaken with a limited number of key stakeholders, primarily for the purposes of initial EIA screening, verifying the scope of work and gathering baseline data. This entailed communications with the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum (BMP), The National Environmental Research Institute (NERI) – part of Aarhus University in Denmark and the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR). The views of key stakeholders, together with relevant guidance documents published by the BMP and NERI have been taken into account in developing the scope and approach of this assessment. Further stakeholder consultation has been undertaken as part of the Social Impact Assessment, with full details included within the relevant Chapter of the SIA report. During Scoping the team also considered: The methods to be used to characterise the baseline environment and to

predict and evaluate impacts - the details of these are described in each specialist section.

The likely availability of information given the relative scarcity of

environmental data for certain topics such as marine mammal distribution. The alternatives to be considered - these are described further in Chapter 4

of the EIA. It should be noted that although initial scoping was carried out early in the IA process, it is an activity that continues as new issues and information emerge during studies and stakeholder consultations, and as a result of development of the Project design. The results of scoping have been used to develop the structure of this assessment, to inform project workshops held with the client and to identify areas where baseline information is scarce and additional research may be warranted in future.

3.4 BASELINE DATA COLLECTION

To provide a baseline against which the impacts of the Project can be assessed the assessment provides a description of the conditions that will prevail in the absence of the Project. The baseline includes information on all receptors and resources that were identified during scoping as having the potential to be significantly affected by the proposed Project. The description of the baseline has the following main objectives:


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To identify the key environmental and socio-economic conditions in areas potentially affected by the Project and highlight those that may be vulnerable to aspects of the Project.

To describe and where possible quantify their characteristics (nature,

condition, quality, extent, etc) now and in the future in the absence of the Project (1).

To provide data to aid the prediction and evaluation of possible impacts. To inform judgements about the importance, value and sensitivity of

resources and receptors. For this IA, baseline data collection proceeded in stages: Collection of available data from existing sources including:

o government agencies; o research and academic organisations; o published sources; o external stakeholders and the public; and o previous exploration PEIAs held by the client.

Geophysical and environmental surveys of the well site locations to inform

the physical and biological components of the baseline. In-country information gathering and stakeholder interviews to inform the

socio-economic baseline for the SIA.

3.5 INTERFACE WITH PROJECT PLANNING AND DESIGN

3.5.1 Developing the Project Description

A key aspect of the IA has been the interface between the IA Team and the Project team. The Project team has provided information for the assessment on details relating to the planning and operation of the Project. As impacts have been investigated the results have been fed back and appropriate mitigation measures agreed and integrated into the Project. This has been an iterative process throughout the studies. As the Project has developed the description of the Project in Chapter 5 has been revised to include all planned mitigation reflecting the commitment that has been made by the Project proponent to the agreed proposals. All the planned mitigation is identified in the Environmental Mitigation and

(1) As noted above, the future baseline takes into account trends that are apparent in the baseline (eg depletion of fisheries, hunting statistics). The future baseline also takes into consideration other developments in the area which are underway or

committed, however in the context of a short-term activity such as exploration drilling, future baseline trends are less pertinent. The future baseline can be considered as the No Project scenario against which the impacts of the Project are

assessed.


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Monitoring Plan which forms Chapter 7 of the EIA report and in the draft Benefit and Impact Plan within the SIA.

3.5.2 Consideration of Alternatives

As part of the PEIA process, the IA team has reviewed alternatives to the proposed operations. These have included alternative methodologies and equipment, as well as the ‘no development option’. Further details are provided in Chapter 5.

3.6 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS

3.6.1 General Considerations

The assessment of impacts has proceeded through an iterative process considering four questions: 1. Prediction – What will happen to the human or natural environment as a

consequence of this Project? 2. Evaluation – Does this impact matter? How important or significant is it? 3. Mitigation – If it is significant can anything be done about it? 4. Residual Impact – Is it still significant? Where significant residual impacts remain further options for mitigation may be considered and impacts re-assessed until they are as low as reasonably practicable.

3.6.2 Predicting the Magnitude of Impacts

The IA describes what will happen by predicting the magnitude of impacts and quantifying these to the extent practicable. The term ‘magnitude’ is used as shorthand to encompass all the dimensions of the predicted impact including: the nature of the change (what is affected and how); its size, scale or intensity; its geographical extent and distribution; its duration, frequency, reversibility, etc; and where relevant, the probability of the impact occurring as a result of

accidental or unplanned events. It also includes any uncertainty about the occurrence or scale of the impact, expressed as ranges, confidence limits or likelihood (1).

(1) A distinction is made here between the probability of impact arising from a non-routine event such as an accidental explosion or spill, and the likelihood of an uncertain impact; for example it may not be certain that migrating species will

be present during operations.


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Magnitude therefore describes the actual change that is predicted to occur in the resource or receptor (eg the area and duration over which water may become polluted and the level of increase in concentration; the degree and probability of impact on the livelihood of a local community; the probability and consequences in terms of fatalities from a major accident). An overall grading of the magnitude of impacts is provided taking into account all the various dimensions to determine whether an impact is of negligible, small, medium or large magnitude. This scale is defined differently according to the type of impact and a more or less detailed scale may be used for particular impacts depending on the circumstances. For readily quantifiable impacts such as noise numerical values can be used whilst for other topics a more qualitative classification is necessary. The details of how magnitude is predicted and described for each impact are presented in the relevant chapters of the IA Report.

3.6.3 Evaluation of Significance

The next step in the assessment is to take the information on the magnitude of impacts, and explain what this means in terms of its importance to people and the environment, so that decision makers and stakeholders understand how much weight should be given to the issue in deciding on their view of the Project. This is referred to as Evaluation of Significance. There is no statutory definition of significance; however, for the purposes of this IA, the following practical definition of when an impact is judged to be significant is used:

An impact is significant if, in isolation or in combination with other impacts, it should, in the judgement of the IA team, be reported in the IA report so that it can be taken into account in the decision on whether or not the Project should proceed and if so under what conditions.

This recognises that evaluation requires an exercise of judgement and that judgements may vary between parties in the process. The evaluation of impacts that is presented in this IA Report is based on the judgement of the IA team, informed by reference to legal standards, government policy, current good practice and the views of stakeholders. Criteria for assessing the significance of impacts are clearly defined for each topic area and types of impact taking into account whether the Project will: Cause legal or accepted environmental standards to be exceeded – eg air,

water or soil quality, noise levels – or make a substantial contribution to the likelihood of a standard being exceeded.

Adversely affect protected areas or features, or valuable resources – nature

conservation areas, rare or protected species, protected landscapes, historic features.

Conflict with established government policy eg to reduce CO2 emissions, recycle waste, protect human rights.

Where standards are not available or provide insufficient information on their own to allow grading of significance, significance has been evaluated taking into account the magnitude of the impact and the value or sensitivity of the affected resource or receptor. Magnitude is defined across the various dimensions described in the previous section. The value of a resource is judged taking into account its quality and its importance as represented, for example, by its local, regional, national or international designation, its importance to the local or wider community, or its economic value. The sensitivity of receptors, for example a household, community or wider social group, will take into account their likely response to the change and their ability to adapt to and manage the effects of the impact. Magnitude and value/sensitivity are looked at in combination to evaluate whether an impact is significant and if so its degree of significance. The principle is illustrated in Figure 3.2.

Figure 3.2 Evaluation of Significance

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3.6.4 Mitigation

Impact assessment is designed to ensure that decisions on Projects are made in full knowledge of their likely impacts on the environment and society. A vital step within the process is the identification of measures that can be taken to mitigate impacts so that these can be incorporated into the Project. An important outcome of this IA has been the improvements it has generated in the environmental performance of the Project. This has been achieved by integrating mitigation into the design of the Project, the methods for its operation, and the management of the development process. The process has involved identifying where significant impacts could occur and then working with the Project proponent to identify practical and affordable ways of mitigating those impacts as far as possible. These measures have been agreed with the Project proponent and integrated into the Project design. Where a significant impact is identified, a hierarchy of options for mitigation has been considered to identify the preferred approach: Avoid at source – remove the source of the impact, eg avoid water

pollution by not using oil based muds for drilling. Abate at source – reduce the source of the impact, eg reduce the level of air

emissions through maintenance programmes and the use of modern equipment.

Attenuate – reduce the impact between the source and the receptor, eg

reducing fisheries impacts through prior notification and good communications with fisheries groups.

Abate at the receptor – reduce the impact at the receptor, eg use of

appropriate waste disposal (lined pits) to reduce groundwater impacts from landfill.

Remedy – repair the damage after it has occurred, eg clean-up and

restoration activities following an accidental oil spill. Compensate / offset – replace in kind or with a different resource of equal

value, eg re-establishing / relocating habitats due to road building or major onshore infrastructure projects.

3.6.5 Assessing Residual Impacts

Following agreement on feasible mitigation the IA team has re-assessed the impacts taking into account the mitigation now integrated into design and operation of the Project. Where an impact could not be completely avoided the residual impact has been reassessed and the possibility for further


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mitigation considered. All residual significant impacts are described in this report with commentary on why further mitigation is not feasible. Where the impact is of more than minor significance the IA explains how the impact has been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable. The degree of significance attributed to residual impacts is related to the weight the IA team considers should be given to them in reaching a decision on the Project. Any residual major impacts, whether positive or negative, are considered

to warrant substantial weight, when compared with other environmental, social or economic costs and benefits, in the decision on whether the Project should be permitted to proceed; conditions should be imposed to ensure adverse impacts are strictly controlled and monitored and beneficial impacts are fully delivered.

Residual moderate impacts are considered to be of reducing importance to

the decision, but still warranting careful attention to conditions regarding mitigation and monitoring, to ensure best available techniques are used to keep adverse impacts as low as reasonably practicable, and to ensure beneficial impacts are delivered.

Minor impacts should be brought to the attention of the decision-maker but

are identified as warranting little if any weight in the decision; mitigation can be achieved using normal good practice and monitoring should be carried out to confirm that impacts do not exceed predicted levels.

3.6.6 Dealing with Uncertainty

Even with a firm Project design and an unchanging environment, predictions are by definition uncertain. In this IA predictions have been made using methods ranging from qualitative assessment and expert judgement to quantitative modelling. The accuracy of predictions will depend on the method and the quality of the input data on the Project and the environment. Where assumptions have been made, the natures of any uncertainties which stem from these are presented in the topic specific descriptions. Uncertainty can also arise as a result of the stage in the planning process at the time of preparation of this IA report. Where this results in uncertainty that is material to the findings of the IA, this is clearly stated. The general approach has then been to take a conservative view of the likely residual impacts, to identify standards of performance which the Project will meet where firm predictions cannot be made, and to propose monitoring and further contingency measures. In order to facilitate decision-making, areas of uncertainty, data gaps and deficiencies, and additional work required during further stages of Project development have been highlighted within the report.


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3.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING

A range of different measures to mitigate impacts have been identified through the assessment and the developer is committed to their implementation within the Project. Within the EIA, these measures are set out in the Project description and the specialist chapters of the report and, to assist the reader, they have been brought together in the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Chapter (Chapter 7 of the EIA). Included in the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Chapter is the Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) as specified in the applicable EIA guidance documents referenced previously. The EPP is provided in tabular format for ease of use and quick referencing with the identified impacts in Chapter 6 of the EIA report. Within the SIA, the measures for addressing impacts from the Project on the human environment are included in a draft Benefit and Impact Plan, which forms the basis for negotiating the Impact Benefit Agreement between the client and applicable Greenland authorities. A draft Monitoring Plan is also included within the SIA which sets out the necessary actions for measuring the implementation of the programmes in the Benefit and Impact Plan. Based on the Monitoring Plan, an Evaluation Plan is also implemented in order to propose how the monitoring results should be evaluated and whether monitoring needs to be supplemented or adjusted, and if the Benefit and Impact Plan is sufficient and realistic etc.

3.8 REPORTING AND NEXT STEPS

The EIA and SIA reports will be submitted by Capricorn to the Greenland authorities (specifically the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum) as part of the application to undertake exploration drilling activities. Also included within this application will be details of the Capricorn drilling management team, drilling contractor, emergency response procedures, Capricorn Corporate Responsibility ‘Guiding Principles’, company HSE policies and commitments, detailed oil spill response plan and Capricorn’s corporate management structure. Public presentations giving the details of the Project have been undertaken as part of the Social Impact Assessment. Details of this and other stakeholder engagement activities are provided within the SIA report. Subsequent dissemination of the EIA and SIA is managed by the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum and it is understood that the documents will be made available for public release by the Greenland authorities.


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4 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

4.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

4.1.1 Climate

Temperature

During the summer months in northern Greenland there are periods of 24 hour sun. During this period, the difference in temperature between the northernmost coast of Greenland and the southernmost coast is only about 2°C (1). In the winter the difference in temperature between the north and the south coasts is much greater: with differences of up to 30°C. This variation is caused by the absence of ice cover on the sea in the southern areas of Greenland. The closest weather stations to the license block are Upernavik which is approximately 207 km to the northeast of the license block and Aasiaat which is approximately 257 km southeast of the license block. The mean monthly and annual temperatures for these stations are given below in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1 Mean Temperature (°C) for Upernavik and Aasiaat, 1961-1990

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Upernavik -17 -20 -20.1 -13.1 -3.7 1.7 5.2 5.2 0.8 -4 -8.8 -14.2 -7.2 Aasiaat -13.4 -15.6 -16.2 -9.6 -1.8 2.7 5.7 5.3 2.3 -2.3 -6 -9.9 -4.9

NB. Upernavik had some missing monthly values within the period 1961-90.

Source: Capelen et al, 2001 (2) The International Arctic Buoy Programme (IABP) and the Earth Observing System (EOS) Polar Exchange at the Sea Surface (POLES) project of the University of Washington provide the best surface air temperature data for the Sigguk block itself (3). Their database combines observations from land stations, ships, drifting ‘North Pole’ ice camps, and drifting buoys from the International Arctic Buoy Programme. Data is available for a site approximately 163 km north of the Sigguk block (72.588°N, 62.103°W) and for a site approximately 348 km to the south of the Sigguk block (67.089°N, 56.310°W). Table 4.2 provides monthly mean, minimum and maximum air temperatures for the site north of Sigguk and Table 4.3 provides the same for the site to the south of Sigguk. The site to the south of Sigguk is several degrees warmer than the site to the north of Sigguk. The southern location was also warmer than both Upernavik and Aasiaat throughout the summer months.

(1) Cappelen, J., Jørgensen, B.V., Laursen, E.V., Stannius, L.S. & Thomsen, R.S., 2001. The Observed Climate of Greenland,

1958-90 – with Climatological Standard Normals 1961-90. Danish Meteorological Institute. Technical Report 00-18. (2) Cappelen, J., Jørgensen, B.V., Laursen, E.V., Stannius, L.S. & Thomsen, R.S., 2001. The Observed Climate of Greenland,

1958-90 – with Climatological Standard Normals 1961-90. Danish Meteorological Institute. Technical Report 00-18. (3) Rigor, I., Colony, R. & Martin, S., 2000. Variations in Surface Air Temperature Observations in the Arctic, 1979 – 1997,

Journal of Climate, 13(5): 896-914.


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Table 4.2 Monthly Air Temperature Statistics (°C) for a Site North of Sigguk (1979-2004)

Mean Minimum Maximum Jan -21.96 -32.47 -9.71 Feb -21.98 -34.22 -7.95 Mar -18.44 -29.58 -6.06 Apr -14.3 -26.51 -0.52 May -6.25 -22.3 7.27 Jun 0.33 -3.09 5.02 Jul 3.67 -3.67 4.89 Aug 1.83 -10.55 5.06 Sep 1.49 -8.45 10.49 Oct -6.08 -22.08 3.41 Nov -14.32 -27.57 -3.87 Dec -18.66 -32.27 -6.68

Table 4.3 Monthly Air Temperature Statistics (°C) for a Site South of Sigguk (1979-2004)

Mean Minimum Maximum Jan -18.85 -44.75 1.62 Feb -17.16 -44.52 1.85 Mar -10.66 -35.96 2.86 Apr -7.12 -31.4 12.84 May 0.54 -22.52 24.2 Jun 8.73 -4.51 28.47 Jul 13.15 1.88 29.6 Aug 10.41 -0.39 27.48 Sep 5.82 -4.5 22.68 Oct -1.68 -19.19 12.73 Nov -11.32 -38.73 2.38 Dec -15.38 -40.95 1.69

Precipitation

Precipitation is high in the south as a result of open water and frequent cyclonic activity. It is low in the north where the moisture content of the air is very low. The Sigguk block is in this lower precipitation area where the annual mean precipitation is 300-400 mm for the coastline close to the Sigguk block (Table 4.4).

Table 4.4 Mean accumulated precipitation (mm), 1961-1990

Station Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Aasiaat 16 16 18 20 18 24 27 34 37 29 37 26 304 Sisimiut 19 20 22 28 18 30 44 52 51 37 38 23 383

Source: Capelen et al, 2001 (1)


1958-90 – with Climatological Standard Normals 1961-90. Danish Meteorological Institute. Technical Report 00-18.


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Snowfall is more frequent than rainfall in the area as can be seen for the frequency of precipitation for Upernavik (Figure 4.1 and Table 4.5).

Figure 4.1 Frequency of Precipitation at Upernavik

Source: Valeur et al, 1996 (1)

Table 4.5 Mean Number of Days with Snowfall, 1961-1990

Station Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Aasiaat 11.6 9.9 11.5 11 8.5 3.9 0.3 0.4 4.8 12.3 14.9 14.2 103.3 Sisimiut 10.1 10.3 11.5 10 7.5 2.7 0.3 0.2 4.3 11.3 13.1 13.1 94.4

Source: Capelen et al, 2001 (2) Fog

Foggy weather is defined as when visibility is less than 1,000 metres and the thickness of the fog layers is more than two metres above land or 10 metres above sea. Off the west coast of Greenland, the estimated frequency of fog in the open sea is 20-30% of total time (3) (4). Whilst fog can occur throughout the year, it is most common during the summer (Table 4.6). The fog season starts in May and ends in September and is usually advection fog which occurs when humid air moves over a cold surface. Advection fog will evaporate or lift to a low cloud if the fog moves over a warmer surface (5). In the winter, radiation fog may form under clear calm conditions over snow or solid pack ice but may only form if there is enough moisture in the air from a lead (crack

(1) Valeur, H.H., Hansen, C., Hansen, K.Q., Rasmussen, L. & Thingvad, N. 1996. Weather, Sea and Ice Conditions in Eastern

Baffin Bay, Offshore Northwest Greenland: A Review. Danish Meteorological Institute Technical Report No. 96-12. 39 pp. (2) Cappelen, J., Jørgensen, B.V., Laursen, E.V., Stannius, L.S. & Thomsen, R.S., 2001. The Observed Climate of Greenland,

1958-90 – with Climatological Standard Normals 1961-90. Danish Meteorological Institute. Technical Report 00-18. (3) Valeur, H.H., Hansen, C., Hansen, K.Q., Rasmussen, L. & Thingvad, N. 1996. Weather, Sea and Ice Conditions in Eastern

Baffin Bay, Offshore Northwest Greenland: A Review. Danish Meteorological Institute Technical Report No. 96-12. 39 pp. (4) DMI, 1998. Physical Environment of Eastern Davis Strait and Northeastern Labrador Sea. Danish Meterological

Institute, Technical Report 97-9. 35 pp. (5) DMI, 1998. Physical Environment of Eastern Davis Strait and Northeastern Labrador Sea. Danish Meterological

Institute, Technical Report 97-9. 35 pp.


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in the ice). Steam fog may also form in the winter when cold air flows from pack ice or when air moves from the cold land to open water.

Table 4.6 Number of days with fog (visibility < 1 km), 1961-1990

Station Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Aasiaat 2 3.5 3.6 4.1 6.9 13.3 15.1 11.9 3.8 0.6 0.8 1.1 66.7 Sisimiut 1.5 1.7 2.2 2.4 5.1 10.5 13.1 9.7 2.9 1.1 0.7 1 51.4

NB. Sisimiut is missing monthly values within the period 1961-90.

Source: Capelen et al, 2001 (1).

4.1.2 Wind

The winter months are characterised by an area of high pressure over the northernmost part of Greenland and an area of low pressure stretching from Newfoundland and Iceland to the Norwegian Sea (Figure 4.2) (2). It is this latter area that has the most cyclonic activity. In southern Greenland, severe winter weather is caused by cyclones from the North Atlantic causing strong wind off the west coast of Greenland. During winter the most frequent wind direction in Ilulissat, which is approximately 285 km southeast of the license block, is from the east (3). In the summer the surface temperature differences are small, resulting in a high number of calm days resulting in no discernible prevailing wind direction (Figure 4.2). North of 65°N the annual mean wind speed is 5-6 m/s. Maximum winds speeds in the Disko West area are reached in October or November. Minimum wind speeds are during midsummer. In general, April has the most settled weather and the highest pressure. The lowest pressure usually occurs in December and January. Transitional periods between summer and winter weather conditions generally occur in May and October (4).


1958-90 – with Climatological Standard Normals 1961-90. Danish Meteorological Institute. Technical Report 00-18. (2) Hansen, K.Q., Buch, E. & Gregersen, U. 2004. Weather, Sea and Ice Conditions Offshore West Greenland: Focusing on

New License Areas 2004. Danish Meteorological Institute, Copenhagen. 42 pp. (3) Cappelen, J., Jørgensen, B.V., Laursen, E.V., Stannius, L.S. & Thomsen, R.S., 2001. The Observed Climate of Greenland,

1958-90 – with Climatological Standard Normals 1961-90. Danish Meteorological Institute. Technical Report 00-18. (4) Valeur, H.H., Hansen, C., Hansen, K.Q., Rasmussen, L. & Thingvad, N. 1996. Weather, Sea and Ice Conditions in Eastern

Baffin Bay, Offshore Northwest Greenland: A Review. Danish Meteorological Institute Technical Report No. 96-12. 39 pp.


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Figure 4.2 Mean Sea Level Pressure in Winter and Summer (hPa)

Source: Hansen et al, 2004 (1)

Meteorological data acquired within the Sigguk block during a 2009 survey commissioned by Capricorn shows mean wind speeds are highest during the months of October through March. The dominant wind direction for most months of the year is north-northwesterly except for a south-southeasterly influence during the summer months (June – August). Table 4.7 gives the mean and maximum monthly wind speeds for the Alpha site. The highest wind speeds recorded are in October (Table 4.7). Wind roses for the Alpha are given in Figure 4.3.

Table 4.7 Mean and Maximum Monthly Wind Speeds for Alpha Site

Month Mean (m/s) Maximum (m/s) July 2.9 14.45 August 3.82 16.45 September 5.1 17.51 October 6.17 19.13

(1) Hansen, K.Q., Buch, E. & Gregersen, U. 2004. Weather, Sea and Ice Conditions Offshore West Greenland: Focusing on

New License Areas 2004. Danish Meteorological Institute, Copenhagen. 42 pp.


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Figure 4.3 Wind Speed Frequency by Direction within the Sigguk Licence Area

Source: C-Core, 2009 (1)

4.1.3 Bathymetry

The continental shelf off central West Greenland is broad; the transition to continental slope occurs at approximately 400 m deep. Near the Sigguk block the continental shelf is incised by a broad deep, low-relief channel, informally named the Uummannaq Channel. The Sigguk block (Figure 4.4) varies in depth and is between 300 m in the east of the block and up to 1,840 m in the northwest of the block. The wells in the south of the block (Alpha and Gamma/T8) will be located in water depths of 300-450 m. At the Alpha site the seafloor has a gentle incline of less than one degree from SSE to NNW. The two wells in the north of the block (T4 and T3) will be at water depths of 370-490 m. T23 and T16 will be situated in water at depths of approximately 440 m and 620 m respectively.

(1) C-Core. 2009. Iceberg, Sea Ice and Metocean Conditions at Disko West: Draft Report, R-09-026-701. Prepared for:

Capricorn Greenland Exploration 1 Ltd.

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DATE: 08/06/2010

DRAWN: CJ

CHECKED: RB

APPROVED: JP

PROJECT: 0108885

As scale barDRAWING: REV:


Regional Bathymetry of the Sigguk Block

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4.1.4 Seabed

The seafloor and shallow geology throughout the Sigguk block is characterised by a thin layer of relatively fine grained, well sorted, poorly consolidated sediments that blanket the area and accumulate in topographic lows. This sediment cover, which is greatest within the Uummannaq Channel, is interpreted to represent modern, postglacial deposits. This sediment is draped over an over-consolidated glacial till presumed to be ice loaded by an ice sheet. This has been proposed by various authors to have extended across Baffin Bay during the last glacial maxima (1). These tills have been heavily scoured by icebergs. The berms of the scours show high local seafloor gradients and show a high concentration of boulders presumably exposed when the sediment was churned aside by the scouring icebergs (2). The four proposed wellsite locations were surveyed in 2010. Both the T4 and the T3 sites are characterised by ice modified sediments. Figure 4.5 and Figure 4.6 present the local bathymetrys and profiles at T3 and T4 respectively. Detailed environmental survey data is included for the preferred T3 and T4 potential drilling locations. Environmental survey results for T16 and T23 are being finalised and will form a supplement to the EIA report as soon as they become available. The location of the two final wells will be selected based on the outcome of the drilling the initial wells.

(1) Aughenbaugh, N.B. (2009). The Zumberge Ice Shelf. Journal of Geology and Geophysics and Geosystems, vol. 3 issue 1,

pp. 1-8. (2) ) Bennike, O., Hansen, K.B., Knudsen, K.L., Penney, D.N. & Rasmussen, K.L. (1994). Quaternary marine stratigraphy

and geocrhonology in central West Greenland. Boreas, vol. 23, pp. 194-215.


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Figure 4.5 Bathymetry and Profile at T3


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Figure 4.6 Bathymetry and Profile at T4


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Particle size analysis of sediments from the T4 and T3 sites is given below in Table 4.8.

Table 4.8 Particle Size Analysis for T4 and T3 Sites

Station T4 T3 Parameter RDL Max Min Mean Max Min Mean Mean Sediment Size (mm) 0.001 0.037 0.013 0.017 0.018 0.010 0.014 Fines (%) 0.1 87.3 72.1 83.3 90.7 82.0 85.8 Sands (%) 0.1 26.3 9.7 15.7 16.3 9.3 13.3 Gravel (%) 0.1 3.6 0.0 1.0 3.3 0.0 0.9 Moisture Content (%) 0.1 59.4 40.8 46.6 63.2 43.4 52.37 Total Organic Matter (%) 0.01 10.07 6.44 7.8 8.64 4.09 6.77 Total Organic Carbon 0.01 1.46 1.17 1.28 1.41 0.69 1.24 Total Carbonates (%) 0.01 0.47 0.13 0.25 0.87 0.05 0.27

RDL – Reportable Detection Limit

Sampling showed that sediments at both the T4 and T3 sites are predominantly slightly sandy silts and clays with a small, almost negligible, fraction of finer gravel and coarser sediments. Over a larger area, the seabed also shows small areas of larger, ice-rafted rocks in the cobble to boulder size range or surface exposures of hard underlying glacial clays. Sediment particle size analysis typically excluded or poorly sampled the larger size fraction, but gravel and rocks were visible in some seabed photographs (Figure 4.7). The coverage and frequency of coarser sediments was generally low at both well sites, with marginally greater variability recorded at the T4 well location where ice modification was more marked. The existence of coarser sediments was present throughout the survey area, although sampling showed this to be predominantly limited to a cobble pavement buried beneath a thin veneer of sedimentary silts that covered most of the site, typically a few decimetres thick. Surface sediments at the T3 location was marginally finer than those recorded at T4.

The organic matter (TOM) and total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations for T4 and T3 locations were moderately high ranging from 4 to 10% and 0.69 to 1.46%, respectively (1) (2). These slightly elevated levels suggest a sedimentary influence to the seabed sediments at these locations.

(1) Benthic Solutions Limited , (2010) Environmental Baseline Survey , Disko West Block 1 (Sigguk) T4 Well. A report by

Benthic Solutions limited for Capricorn Greenland Exploration No. 1 Ltd. (2) Benthic Solutions Limited , (2010) Environmental Baseline Survey , Disko West Block 1 (Sigguk) T3 Well. A report by

Benthic Solutions limited for Capricorn Greenland Exploration No. 1 Ltd.


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Figure 4.7 Example Photographs of Coarser Sediments at and around the T4 and T3 Sites

T4 Site

The T4 site is located on north-west facing continental slope. The gradient of the seafloor in this area is shown in Figure 4.8.

Figure 4.8 Seafloor Gradients and Sampling Locations T4 Site

Red circles denote box corer stations and black lines camera transects

The seafloor over the T4 site displays a high frequency of iceberg scours that have steep-sided lateral berms with averaging gradients of <5˚ and maximum observed gradients within the site boundaries of 21˚. Scour marks up to 7 m deep are encountered within the T4 survey area. Seafloor photos reveal a thin veneer of fine Holocene silts and clays which blankets the seafloor accumulating to a greater thickness in the iceberg scour troughs and thins to reveal underlying glacial clays and coarser gravels (cobbles and small boulders) on the edges of these features. Berms of material, created at the

T4 T3C3


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edge of these scars, were generally small and not a significant feature of the seabed. The thickness of the Holocene sediments is unclear given the lack of imaging on the sub-bottom profiles due to intense seafloor diffractions. This thin veneer of sediment is estimated to be only a few centimetres thick. This is supported by seabed sampling which recovered evidence of a cobble pavement and a hard clay matrix at a depth of around 30-50 cm in the base of a scar trough and at the surface, near the edge (1). The seabed is acoustically reflective to shallow penetrating, high frequency profiling systems, which along with observations from sediment samples confirm the presence of over-compressed, fine grained sediments with high soil strengths at the seafloor and in the shallow sub-surface (2). T3 Site

The T3 site is located on a slight terrace on the continental slope, which generally deepens to the West. The T3 site itself is located to the North of the Uummannaq Channel in an area of relatively flat seabed (Figure 4.9).

Figure 4.9 Seafloor Gradients and Sampling Locations T3 Site

Red circles denote box corer stations and black lines camera transects

The seafloor is generally flat, although there are two slightly raised mounds approximately 6 to 7 metres high located slightly west and north of the proposed location (see Figure 4.5). These are interpreted as relic glacial

(1) Benthic Solutions Limited , (2010) Environmental Baseline Survey , Disko West Block 1 (Sigguk) T4 Well. A report by Benthic Solutions limited for Capricorn Greenland Exploration No. 1 Ltd. (2) McGregor Geoscience Ltd. (2009) Wellsite Geohazard Investigation: Alpha Site, Disko West Block 1 and 3 (Sigguk and Eqqua), Offshore West Coast of Greenland. A report by Mcgregor GeoScience Limited for Capricorn Greenland

Exploration No. 1 Ltd.


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deposits. The area also has few, but very distinct iceberg scours that have steep sided lateral berms with maximum observed gradients within the site boundaries of 17 (1). Two of the small banks are incised by one of these scars. The seabed is also marked by a number of holes produced by rotating icebergs temporarily anchoring to the seabed before rotating again. In some cases, the continued track of the iceberg can be seen. The seabed is acoustically reflective to shallow penetrating, high frequency profiling systems, which along with observations from sediment samples confirm the presence of over-compressed, fine grained sediments with high soil strengths at the seafloor and in the shallow sub-surface. Seafloor photos reveal the presence of soft unconsolidated silts throughout with sporadic exposures of the underlying clays as well as cobbles and boulders, presumed to be both dropped from floating ice and exposed by scouring. A thin veneer of fine sediment, anticipated to be only a few centimetres thick, blankets the seafloor and is expected to be around 0.2 to 0.5 m thick as evidenced by coring and multi-beam backscatter which showed harder substrates associated with the bank features.

4.1.5 Oceanography

Currents, Tides and Water Masses

Overall circulation in Baffin Bay forms a cyclonic gyre with northerly flow along the Greenland coast and southerly flow along the coast of Baffin Island. Surface circulation is comprised of West Greenland Surface Water (WGSW) flowing north over the shelf along the west coast of Greenland and Arctic Surface Water (ASW) from the Canadian Arctic Archipelago flowing south along the eastern coast of Baffin Island. Below these surface waters a branch of the Irminger Current flows north forming West Greenland Intermediate Water (WGIW) over the bulk of the West Greenland Shelf Slope while Arctic Water (AW) and Transition Water (TrW) flow south over the bulk of the western side of the basin (Figure 4.10).

(1) Benthic Solutions Limited , (2010) Environmental Baseline Survey , Disko West Block 1 (Sigguk) T3 Well. A report by

Benthic Solutions limited for Capricorn Greenland Exploration No. 1 Ltd.


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Figure 4.10 Regional Currents in Baffin Bay

Source: Brian Petrie, Bedford Institute of Oceanography

Most of the westerly flowing warm (Irminger) water to the south of Greenland crosses the mouth of Davis Strait and turns south along the Labrador coast. A small branch of the Irminger flow passes through the eastern side of Davis Strait and continues into Baffin Bay where it weakens as it mixes with cold AW. A warm north-flowing current remains along the shelf break and slope of the Greenland Shelf forming the WGIW while a tongue of mixed TrW extends west to the Baffin Island shelf at depths from about 200 m to 1,000 m overlain with cold AW water and underlain with cold deep Baffin Basin water. Disko West is located near the transition between north flowing shelf waters to the east and south flowing waters over the bulk of the basin to the west.


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During 2009 metocean data were collected in the Sigguk Block as part of a survey (1). These data, collected from wellsites Alpha and Gamma (T8) and a much deeper site in the west of the block, provided a spatial coverage expected to represent water column and metocean trends for the region as a whole. CTD casts obtained at Sigguk block study sites during the 2009 survey are shown in Figure 4.11. The overall structure of the water column was the same at corresponding depths for all three sites. All sites were influenced by cold AW with a minimum temperature of -1.5°C occurring at depths from 50 m to 70 m. The AW was overlain by a warm surface layer in August (~7.5°C) and that cools and deepens by September (~3.5°C) due to wind wave induced mixing during the ice-free season. The AW was underlain by warm WGIW with a sub-surface temperature maximum of ~3.5°C at 300 m. Bottom waters at the deepest site, (Beta), exhibited a cooling trend with increasing depth indicative of TrW. Thus four water types influenced the water mass in the study area. Further to the west the surface waters would be underlain by AW and TrW with a mean transport to the south while to the east the water mass is WGSW with a mean transport to the north.

(1) RPS and McGregor (2009) Disko West Block 1 and 3 (Sigguk and Eqqua) Metocean, Geophysical and Benthic Report.


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Figure 4.11 CTD Site Data from 2009 Metocean Programme

Source: Physical Oceanographic Data Reports: 2009 Current Data – Sites Alpha, Beta, and Gamma

Currents in the Disko West study area were shown to be weak (1). The mean surface current in the southeast (at Alpha) was 2-3 cm/s down to a depth of approximately 50 m. The bottom currents were 2-4 cm/s. On the edge of the Uummannaq Channel (Gamma site (T8)), the means ranged from ~2 cm/s near the surface to ~8cm/s near the bottom. Tides were consistent between sites being generally in the same direction at the same time. Semi-diurnal tides were strongest at the surface and tend to align with bathymetric contours. There is relatively little vertical variation in the diurnal tides.

(1) RPS and McGregor (2009) Disko West Block 1 and 3 (Sigguk and Eqqua) Metocean, Geophysical and Benthic Report.


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Waves

Wave heights in eastern Baffin Bay are small (1). This is primarily the result of relatively weak winds and a restricted fetch caused by the common presence of sea ice. When larger waves do occur, they are usually of short duration. The maximum average significant wave height within the Sigguk block occurs from November through January which coincides with peak monthly wind speeds (2). Significant wave height hindcast data for the Alpha wellsite location has been analysed on a monthly basis and results are recorded in Table 4.9.

Table 4.9 Mean and Maximum Monthly Significant Wave Height for Alpha Site

Month Mean (m) Maximum (m) July 0.56 3.42 August 0.85 5.49 September 1.12 5.33 October 1.36 6.83

Temperature

Sea surface temperature off the west coast of Greenland shows little variation throughout the year (3). Temperatures are lowest in January and February and highest in August at approximately 6 to 8°C. Temperature profiles were recorded in the Disko West Sigguk Block area in 2009 (Alpha and Gamma (T8)). The key aspects of the profiles are summarized in Table 4.10. The temperature profiles are similar over corresponding depths between the two study sites.

Table 4.10 Temperature Recorded at the Sigguk Block (Alpha and Gamma Sites) (+/- 0.5°C for inter-site averages; +/-0.1°C for site specific bottom records)

Alpha Gamma

Surface 7.7 6.8

Average 4.9 3.2

Seafloor 3.3 2.6 Source: RPS and McGregor (2009) Disko West Block 1 and 3 (Sigguk and Eqqua) Metocean, Geophysical and Benthic Report.

Salinity

Sea surface salinity in the Disko West Sigguk Block shows little variation. Salinity profiles were recorded at three sites during deployment and recovery operations in 2009 (4). The key aspects of the profiles are summarized in Table


Baffin Bay, Offshore Northwest Greenland: A Review. Danish Meteorological Institute Technical Report No. 96-12. 39 pp. (2) C-Core. 2009. Iceberg, Sea Ice and Metocean Conditions at Disko West: Draft Report, R-09-026-701. Prepared for:

Capricorn Greenland Exploration 1 Ltd. (3) Noble Denton. 2008. West Greenland Metocean Study. Noble Denton Report D.513/NDME/RD for Cairn Energy. (4) RPS and McGregor (2009) Disko West Block 1 and 3 (Sigguk and Eqqua) Metocean, Geophysical and Benthic Report.


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4.11. Surface salinity was constant within ~0.1 psu. Maximum salinities of ~34.8 psu coincide with the depth of maximum temperature at ~300 m during deployment. Salinities fall slightly below 300 m to a minimum of 34.6 psu at the seafloor during recovery. Variations in salinity are slight and beyond detection at the seafloor.

Table 4.11 Salinity Recorded at the Sigguk Block (Alpha and Gamma Sites) (+/-0.1 psu for inter-site averages; +/- 0.05 for site specific bottom records)

31 July – 1 Aug 25 Sept – 28 Sept Salinity Depth Salinity Depth Surface 32.5 <15 m 32.7 <40 m AW minimum 33.5 50-70 m 33.3 60-70 m WGIW maximum 34.8 300 m 34.7 300 m Near-bottom Alpha site 34.77 320 m 34.7 320 m Near-bottom Gamma (T8) site 34.75 470 m Source: RPS and McGregor (2009) Disko West Block 1 and 3 (Sigguk and Eqqua) Metocean, Geophysical and Benthic Report.

4.1.6 Ice Conditions

Sea Ice

There are two forms of sea ice that tend to be found within the Sigguk license block: fast ice is anchored to the coast and is very stable; and drift ice which is considered to be dynamic and usually consists of floes of

varying size and density. In the Sigguk block, the period between mid-June and mid-November is normally ice free but occasionally sea ice may drift from the central sections of southern Baffin Bay into the area during the summer. When sea ice does occur it tends to take the form of very large floes of thin first year ice. However, the cover of ice is changeable and large areas of open water are common (1). The Ice Study conducted by C-Core for this area shows there was 81-90% coverage of ice in the Sigguk block in mid-June 2007 which decreased slightly by the beginning of July 2007 (Figure 4.12).

(1) DMI, 1998. Physical Environment of Eastern Davis Strait and Northeastern Labrador Sea. Danish Meterological



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Figure 4.12 Total Concentration of Ice, August 2006 – July 2007

Source: C-Core Ice Study

It is the warm West Greenland Current (see details in Section 4.1.5) that delays the time of ice formation in the eastern Davis Strait and also causes the ice to break up earlier than in the western parts of the Davis Strait. The southward flowing Baffin Current transports sea ice from Baffin Bay to the Davis Strait


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and then onto the Labrador Sea for most of the year with large amounts of ice transported during winter and early spring. At this time of the year, sea ice normally covers most of the Davis Strait north of 65°N. The exception is close to the west coast of Greenland where leads (open water or thin ice) develop of varying sizes between the shore or fast ice and the drift ice. These leads develop between 65°N and 67°N. The extent and duration of coverage by winter ice has been reduced in recent decades. This is thought to be the result of climate change (1). Capricorn contracted C-Core to provide information on sea ice within the Sigguk block and more specifically for two sites within the block: Site 1 (70.50°N, 60.00°W) and Site 2 (70.25°N, 58.50°W) (see Figure 4.13).

Figure 4.13 Ice Study Locations

An annual analysis of predominant ice thickness exceeding 30 cm, 70 cm and 90 cm is given for Site 1 (Table 4.12) and Site 2 (Table 4.13).

Table 4.12 Sea Ice Period (1982-2008) for Predominant Ice Thicknesses Exceeding 30 cm, 70 cm and 90 cm for the Period July through October at Site 1

No. weeks predominant ice

>30 cm in indicated concentrations


>90 cm in indicated

concentrations


>90 cm in indicated

concentrations >5 >7 >9 >9+ >5 >7 >9 >9+ >5 >7 >9 >9+ Average Weeks/Period when Ice Occurs 1.1 0.9 0.4 0.7 2.1 1.8 0.9 0.7 1.9 1.4 0.4 0.3 Maximum Weeks in Single Year 6 5 2 2 8 7 4 2 8 6 3 2

Source: Canadian Ice Service East Arctic archive (2)

(1) Stirling, I. & Parkinson, C.L. 2006. Possible Effects of Climate Warming on Selected Populations of Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) in the Canadian Arctic. Arctic, 59 (3): 261-275. (2) Canadian Ice Service website (2009). http://ice-glaces.ec.gc.ca


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Table 4.13 Sea Ice Period (1982-2008) for Predominant Ice Thicknesses Exceeding 30 cm, 70 cm and 90 cm for the Period July through October at Site 2


>30 cm in indicated

concentrations


>90 cm in indicated

concentrations


>90 cm in indicated

concentrations >5 >7 >9 >9+ >5 >7 >9 >9+ >5 >7 >9 >9+ Average Weeks/Period when Ice Occurs 1.1 0.9 0.4 0.3 1.1 0.8 0.3 0.3 0.8 0.5 0.1 0.1 Maximum Weeks in Single Year 6 5 2 2 6 5 2 2 6 4 1 1

Source: Canadian Ice Service East Arctic archive

Ice thickness in Davis Strait is highly variable. Ice formed in newly opened leads often develops a thickness of greater than 0.5 m during winter months. Older ice that begins forming in autumn often grows to thicknesses of 1.2 m. The drift pattern of sea ice off west Greenland is not very well known. The local drift is to some extent controlled by the major surface current systems: the West Greenland Current and Baffin Current. However, the strength and direction of the surface winds also affect the local drift of sea ice, especially in southern waters. Nearly all ice drift in the western portion of Davis Strait is in a southerly direction (1). Typical drift velocities observed in southern Baffin Bay during winter and spring were 10 cm/s, increasing to 20-30 cm/s in Davis Strait. Velocities along the southern Baffin Island coast range from 10 to 15 cm/s. Polynyas

Polynyas are areas of open water that are surrounded by ice. They form important habitats for birds and as a result of oceanographic conditions generally form in the same places every year. Shear zones may also form when drift ice moves away from the land-based fast ice creating open cracks and leads which are important to marine mammals and seabirds. The bathymetry of the seabed and other oceanographic conditions leads to the formation of a polynya. A polynya often forms west of Disko Island and in the mouth of Disko Bay. Much further north in the area of Baffin Bay between Greenland, Ellesmere Island and Devon Island is the largest recurring polynya in the northern hemisphere. The ‘North Water’ is maintained by northerly winds, water currents and vertical mixing of the water column, and an ice bridge in the northern part of Smith Sound.

(1) Jordan, F., & Neu, H. J. A. 1981. Ice floe movement in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait from Satellite pictures. Report

Series/BI-R-81-4/March 1981. Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Canada.


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Icebergs

Icebergs are formed when ice at the outlets of glaciers on the west coast of Greenland calve from the glacier. Icebergs are formed on the west coast throughout the year. They are carried by sea currents but are also affected by the wind. Ummannaq Fjord and Disko Bay are important sources of icebergs to the Disko West region (Figure 4.14). These areas can produce 10,000-15,000 icebergs per year (1). Once icebergs calve from their source glacier they are carried by the West Greenland Current along the coast to the north coast of Greenland. Occasionally, icebergs can be carried by western moving branches of the West Greenland Current and can move towards the east coast of Canada. Very occasionally, icebergs calved from glaciers on the east coast of Greenland may travel south round Cape Farewell and up the western coast. However, most icebergs that move south from along the east coast of Greenland melt in the warmer waters before they reach Baffin Bay. Icebergs within the Sigguk license block are likely to come from glaciers to the east that have been transported by westward flowing branches of the main West Greenland Current. Icebergs are often described by their size above the water (height and length) and are given the different size classifications shown below (Table 4.14).

Table 4.14 General Iceberg Size Classifications

Size Height (m) Length (m) Large 45-75 120-200 Medium 15-45 60-120 Small 5-15 15-60 Bergy Bit 1.0-5 5-15 Growler >1.0 >5

(1) DMI, 1998. Physical Environment of Eastern Davis Strait and Northeastern Labrador Sea. Danish Meterological



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Figure 4.14 Generalised Pattern of Iceberg Drift in Baffin Bay (National Sea Ice Centre, USA)

Source: Valeur et al, 1996 (1) An iceberg survey was conducted by Provincial Aerospace Ltd in 2009 to quantify the size, shape and general distribution of icebergs in the study area (2). Observations were made from the end of July to late October 2009. A total of 112 icebergs were described and monitored during the 12 week survey. The distribution of icebergs was highest in the first four weeks of the survey which is consistent with a similar study conducted in 2008. The size distribution of icebergs recorded during the 2009 survey is provided below (Table 4.15). Some icebergs were measured multiple times which provided 156 measurements for 112 individual icebergs.


Baffin Bay, Offshore Northwest Greenland: A Review. Danish Meteorological Institute Technical Report No. 96-12. 39 pp. (2) Provincial Aerospace Ltd. 2009. 2009 West Greenland Iceberg Field Survey Program. Prepared for Cairn Energy & C-

Core.


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Table 4.15 Iceberg Size Distribution

Category Number Tracked Percentage of Total Large 22 14 Medium 70 45 Small 41 26 BergyBit/ Growler 3 2 Not Classified 20 13

From this distribution it can be seen that the majority of icebergs were of medium (45%) or small size (26%). Based on their size above water, calculations can be made to estimate the overall mass of the iceberg (1). Of the icebergs for which mass could be estimated, 14 exceeded one million tonnes of estimated mass. The largest observed iceberg had an estimated mass of 3.5 million tonnes. Icebergs over one million tonnes in mass need to be carefully managed during drilling operations and may need to be cleared from the immediate area surrounding the drilling activities. The icebergs tracked during this surveys had a mean drift speed of 0.21 m/s and varied from almost stationary to a maximum of 1.59 m/s (3.1 knots) during storm conditions. The icebergs observed during the 2009 survey drifted in almost all directions but predominantly east. The variability in drift direction is caused by the current pattern in the area. The Alpha location is within a gyre formed by the convergence of several current streams. Icing

Icing can be caused by freezing precipitation, fog or ice spray. When rain freezes it becomes clear ice whereas freezing fog results in either clear ice or rime ice (2). When persistent freezing fog conditions exist there may be a large accumulation of ice. The most dangerous type is freezing sea spray, which freezes onto exposed surfaces as a clear ice and can become opaque at very low temperatures. At -15°C it may freeze in the air and not adhere to surfaces (3).

4.1.7 Coastal Zone

The shoreline south of Disko Bay is primarily rocky with inclined slopes in semi-protected areas. The area has many skerries (small rocky islands) and archipelagos. There are small sheltered bays with sand or gravel substrates between the rocky areas. There are several river deltas with extensive tidal flats on Disko Island and Svartenhuk Peninsula. In western Disko Bay and

(1) Details of the calculations and methodolgoy used to estimate size and mass are provided in Provincial Aerospace Ltd, 2009. (2) White or cloudy ice formations. (3) Valeur, H.H., Hansen, C., Hansen, K.Q., Rasmussen, L. & Thingvad, N. 1996. Weather, Sea and Ice Conditions in Eastern

Baffin Bay, Offshore Northwest Greenland: A Review. Danish Meteorological Institute Technical Report No. 96-12. 39 pp.


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further north the coastline is predominantly sand or gravel and is straighter. The tidal amplitude in this area is 3-4 m (1).

4.1.8 Water Chemistry

Table 4.16 presents selected results from water samples that were taken during the 2009 environmental surveys of Alpha, Beta and Gamma These data are representative of the water chemistry in the Sigguk block. Hydrocarbon results are presented in ranges of organic compound classes.

Table 4.16 Water Quality

Alpha Beta Gamma RDL 0.1 m 2 m 150

m 315 m

0.1 m

2 m 344 m

650 m

0.1 m 2 m 230 m

460 m

Nitrite (mg/l) 0.002 0.013 0.003 0.184 0.216 0.008 0.008 0.225 0.238 0.01 0.007 0.214 0.219

Phosphorus (ug/l) 50 <50 <50 55 63 <50 <50 63 53 <50 <50 64 71

Nu

trie

nts

TOC (mg/l) 0.01 4.61 7.31 8.53 7.16 4.55 5.09 3.99 4.8 6.58 4.49 3.32 3.56

>C10-C21 (mg/l) - - 0.07 0.06 0.01 - - - 0.06 - 0.07 0.07 0.02

Hyd

roca

rbon

s

>C21->C32 (mg/l) - - 0.18 0.17 0.09 - 0.02 - 0.13 0.03 0.19 0.19 0.01

Al (ug/l) 10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 Ba (ug/l) 1 6 6 8 10 8 10 13 12 7 8 9 13 Cd (ug/l) 0.1 0.15 0.32 0.22 0.36 0.32 0.2 0.33 0.3 0.3 0.28 0.4 0.37 Cr (ug/l) 0.5 0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 0.7 <0.5 0.9 <0.5 1 <0.5 Cu (ug/l) 0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Fe (ug/l) 2 <2 3 2 9 12 27 2 2 2 <2 <2 <2 Pb (ug/l) 0.1 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Hg (ug/l) 0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Ni (ug/l) 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4

Met

als

Zn (ug/l) 1 3 <1 <1 1 4 5 2 3 1 2 2 <1

RDL – Reporting detection limit

4.1.9 Sediment Chemistry

The following present a summary of the concentration ranges of organic compounds and heavy metals in sediments at the proposed T4 and T3 well locations and compared to previous datasets recovered within the Sigguk Block (Alpha, Gamma and regional sample) sites taken in 2009 (Table 4.17 to Table 4.19). Physical characteristics of surface sediments are described in conjunction to benthic habitats and species in the biological environment Section 4.2.

1) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D., Olsen, B. Ø., Olsvig, S., von Platen, F., Buch, E., Hansen, K.Q., Rasch, M., Nielsen, N.,

Møller, H. S., Potter, S., Andreasen, C., Berglund, J. & Myrup, M. (2004). Environmental Oil Spill Sensitivity Atlas for the West Greenland (68º-72º N) Coastal Zone. National Environmental Research Institute, Denmark. 442 pp. – NERI Technical

Report no. 494


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Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are summarised in Table 4.17 below which presents an overview of the range and average concentrations for a number of organic compound classes. Table 4.18 depicts the equivalent results for n-alkanes. Both sets of data are being used to assess the source of organic carbon in the sediment, distinguishing between terrestrial and marine sources, and, for the latter, biogenic or thermogenic origin. Average Total Hydrocarbons (THC) were higher at the T4 and T3 locations (up to 4 and 4.4 μg.g-1) than previously recorded in the Sigguk Block in 2009 (2.24 μg.g-1 and1.55 μg.g-1 for Alpha and Gamma locations respectively). This is considered to be a result of the influence of increased sedimentation and a greater proportion of sediment fines and total organic matter at these locations. A similar trend was exhibited for the unresolved complex mixture (UCM). Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) concentrations similarly show a notable increase at the proposed well locations compared to the sites further south in the Sigguk block. Average total PAH levels were 0.68 μg.g-1 for T3 and 0.50 μg.g-1 for T4 can be compared to 0.23 and 0.08 μg.g-1 for Alpha and T8 wells respectively recorded in 2009. A review of the different components within the PAHs would suggest a natural petrogenic source, possibly from natural seeps in the Nuussuaq Peninsula region. These levels appear to correlate to organic content and this difference is reflected in the varying levels of total organic carbon (eg detritus) in the sediments at these sites. Decalins were not recorded in the present study as they were below the detection limit of <0.4 in 2009.

Table 4.17 Overview of Sediment Chemistry – Ranges and Averages of Concentrations (in μg.g-1) of Certain Hydrocarbon Compound Classes for T4 and T3 and compared to 2009 Alpha and Gamma Samples

T3 T4 Alpha (2009) Gamma(2009) Organic Compound Class

Low - High

Average Low-High

Average Low - High

Average Low - High

Average

THC 1.20-4.40 2.40 1.30-4.00 2.66 2.20-2.24 2.24 0.9-1.9 1.55

UCM 0.40-1.90 0.96 0.40-1.80 1.06 1.00–1.20 1.14 0.2–1.2 0.64

N-alkanes

nC12-20 0.10-0.29 0.18 0.09-0.32 0.18 0.11–0.14 0.12

0.06–0.10 0.08

nC20-36 0.28-0.86 0.53 0.32-0.81 0.60 0.32–0.40 0.36

0.17–0.35 0.27

nC12-36 0.38-1.16 0.72 0.42-1.08 0.78 0.43–0.54 0.48

0.23–0.44 0.35

CP Index

nC12-20 1.03-1.07 1.05 0.56-1.09 1.00 1.03–1.09 1.06

0.78–1.01 0.88

nC20-36 2.34-2.47 2.41 2.17-2.72 2.57 2.07–2.58 2.44

2.69–3.34 2.95

nC12-36 1.84-1.94 1.91 1.60-2.13 2.02 1.68–2.02 1.93

1.94–2.49 2.18

Pr/Ph ratio 1.19-3.69 2.30 2.08-3.75 2.81 4.63–6.77 5.4

2.57–3.85 3.23


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Pr 0.01-0.07 0.03 0.01-0.05 0.03 0.02–0.03 0.02

0.01–0.02 0.01

PAH 0.42-0.94 0.68 0.28-0.68 0.50 0.20–0.29 0.23

0.05–0.10 0.08

Decalines n/a n/a n/a n/a <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4

The Carbon Preference Index (CPI) is the ratio of odd numbered carbon chain n-alkanes to even-numbered chain n-alkanes. The CPI shows a relatively consistent level for all samples with a ratio close to unity at the lower carbon range of nC12 to nC20 but moderate levels for the high range of nC20 to nC36 and the full series. This would suggest that the impact on the n-alkanes from autochthonous materials on the sites (such as plankton detritus) is relatively minimal, whilst there is a moderate impact from allochthonous sources (typically terrestrial sources). This is consistent with the results previously recorded in the area and the observation of abundant ice-rafted material. The TPH concentrations for the sediment are consistent with low to moderate naturally occurring hydrocarbon levels (eg upper sub (µg/g)) (1) from deposition of terrestrial and marine organisms. Levels recorded at the T3 and T4 sites are marginally higher than those previously recorded further south in the Sigguk block due to the slightly enhanced sedimentary regime found at T3 and T4. Whilst the overall levels are low, a clearly defined homologous alkane series and elevated polychcylic aromatic hydrocarbons suggest a possible ubiquitous background of trace hydrocarbons from a possible petrogenic source within the Disko West area. No existing anthropogenic hydrocarbon contamination was recorded.

Table 4.18 Summary of n-alkane Concentrations in Sediment (Expressed as ng/g Dry Sediment)

T3 T4 Mean 2009 sites Parameter Mean Min Max Mean Min Max Alpha Beta T8

nC12 10.8 29.8 19.5 8.9 23.7 16.8 9.22 22.04 10.88 nC13 10.8 29.8 19.6 8.5 24.1 16.4 15.24 34.67 10.17 nC14 6.2 21.0 12.8 5.6 17.2 11.4 10.94 23.08 6.47 nC15 14.1 41.8 26.1 13.4 33.9 24.1 18.32 27.22 9.29 nC16 8.7 27.6 16.6 7.7 113.0 25.3 12.00 23.52 7.10 nC17 11.2 34.2 21.7 10.1 30.6 20.6 15.16 31.08 8.65 nC18 10.5 34.2 20.8 9.9 29.5 20.0 12.76 24.85 8.45 nC19 13.0 43.1 26.5 14.0 37.5 26.6 16.30 30.79 8.08 nC20 9.9 32.7 20.2 10.6 30.0 20.4 16.50 29.42 8.09 nC21 13.9 43.5 27.7 17.4 41.7 30.4 17.86 32.63 8.14 nC22 14.6 46.3 27.9 15.6 40.2 29.3 18.26 31.24 8.39 nC23 19.7 59.6 37.0 22.0 53.8 39.9 22.68 39.53 13.85 nC24 16.0 48.6 30.5 17.6 40.4 31.7 17.18 29.67 11.18 nC25 25.4 77.8 48.9 30.0 71.0 53.4 32.96 54.82 22.50 nC26 16.2 50.2 31.6 19.4 46.7 34.9 20.16 37.38 13.89

(1) Water, J.C., Green, D. R., Fowler, B. R., Humphrey, B., Fiest, D.L. & Boehm, P. D. 1987. Hydrocarbon Biogeochemical

Setting of the Baffin Island Oil Spill Experimental Sites. Arctic 40 (1): 51-65.


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nC27 36.6 115.0 69.4 43.2 110.0 80.4 50.16 93.85 37.12 nC28 15.4 47.4 29.5 17.5 44.2 32.4 19.64 38.33 15.39 nC29 46.0 144.0 87.5 54.5 141.0 101.8 51.28 108.73 44.04 nC30 10.1 34.5 20.3 11.5 27.8 21.2 11.98 23.10 9.52 nC31 34.1 109.0 65.1 42.4 110.0 78.6 52.02 106.35 53.59 nC32 4.3 13.6 9.1 5.0 12.6 9.7 7.02 15.64 6.28 nC33 17.2 52.4 31.8 20.0 54.3 38.1 19.54 41.62 21.48 nC34 2.4 6.7 4.0 2.4 6.7 4.8 8.86 13.02 3.92 nC35 3.6 10.1 6.7 4.2 11.7 7.6 5.56 12.24 4.27 nC36 0.6 3.4 2.1 1.0 3.0 1.9 1.12 3.49 0.96

total alkanes (µg/g) 0.4 1.2 0.7 0.4 1.1 0.8 0.483 0.928 0.352 Pristane 11.3 66.8 28.2 9.4 45.0 25.4 20.66 31.22 10.93 Phytane 6.0 18.1 11.5 4.5 12.0 8.6 3.90 7.95 3.40

Heavy Metals

The heavy metals found in the sediment at the T3 and T4 sites (along with those previously recorded in the Sigguk Block (Alpha and Gamma (T8)) are shown below in Table 4.19. Heavy metals have been analysed by both a weak Aqua Regia acid digestion for bioavailable metals and a stronger hydrofluoric acid digestion for total matrix-bound metals. Full details on these sites are provided in the technical report in Annex B.

Table 4.19 Overview of Sediment Chemistry with Measurements of Mercury and Averages of Trace Metal Concentrations Measured for Bioavailable and Matrix bound Metals at T3 and T4

T4 T3 Alpha (2009) Gamma(200( Trace Metal (concentration) TD AR TD AR TD AR TD AR

Al (%) 6.33 3.13 6.50 3.24 6.25 2.9 6.2 1.5

Fe (%) 5.09 4.46 5.30 4.70 3.63 4.3 3.1 2.32

Ba (ppm) 440.2 181.6 441.7 140 503.7 339.3 575.4 122.88

Sr (ppm) 206.3 81.6 206.7 81 253.7 89.4 287.3 52.25

V (ppm) 73.8 62.9 71.7 60.4 89.7 90.0 68.0 54.25

Ni (ppm) 65.4 46.3 73.7 42.8 81.1 77.1 44.6 33.36

Cu (ppm) 40.3 28.8 44.2 25.8 30.9 41.3 31.2 24.48

Cr (ppm) 61.3 43.5 62.5 41.7 232 78.3 192.5 105.73

As (ppm) 6.5 6.3 7.2 5.8 4.8 5.5 5.5 2.5

Pb (ppm) 19.1 13.9 18.6 11.4 17.1 13.5 17.3 8.51

Cd (ppm) 0.68 0.20 0.80 0.20 <0.01 0.11 0.11 0.08

Zn (ppm) 52.7 51.1 50.5 40.5 52.6 87.3 54.4 44.76

Hg (ppb) (By FIMS) 30 30 14.5 14.51 TM: Total Metals (Hydrofluoric Acid AR: Bioavailable MetalsAqua Regia

Aluminium (Al) averaged similar values across all sites including those of 2009 (6.1-6.5%). A similar situation was recorded for the mean iron (Fe) and barium (Ba) values, with marginally higher levels recorded for iron but marginally lower barium concentration at the T4 and T3 sites, compared to the earlier surveys in the Sigguk block. Both metals are closely associated with


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the natural sediment matrix and these changes reflect sediment variability of weathered ice-rifted material and pelagic sedimentation. Average concentrations of strontium (Sr), vanadium (V), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) were all marginally lower in at T3 and T4 compared to those of the previous Sigguk block samples, whilst the metals copper (Cu), arsenic (As) and lead(Pb) were marginally higher. Of greater significance was the variation in the proportion of chromium (Cr) which was notably different between the two survey years. Total values for the T3 and T4 sites were approximately 62 ppm in 2010 compared to a mean value of 232 and 198 ppm for the Alpha and T8 sites, respectively in 2009. The natural concentration of this metal has been found to be historically high due to the influence of Tertiary volcanic rocks in the Disko Island area affecting offshore sediments through ice erosion pathways. Therefore, a reduction of these metals in the current site north of the Uummannaq channel may indicate lower deposition of this material for this location as it is carried out of the Disko Bay area. Cadmium was another metal that recorded higher results at T3 and T4 compared with those previously recorded in the Sigguk block. Generally low background average concentrations of 0.68 and 0.80 ppm were recorded for the two respective areas, but these were notably higher than 0.11 to 0.15 ppm recorded during the 2009 survey and in the literature for the Disko West area. The reason for this is not known. Mercury mean values were consistent at the T3 and T4 locations (30 ppm). These are higher than recorded at the 2009 survey sites (14 ppb) but match the values recorded at the regional site within the Uummannaq channel in 2009 (29 ppb). These concentrations are similar or generally low compared with the literature. Gobeil et al (1999) measured concentrations of 34 to 116 ng/g (ppb) in surface sediments of the Arctic Ocean Basin, and 11 to 65 ng/g (ppb) at a 5 cm horizon (1).

4.2 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

4.2.1 Primary Production

The information found in this section is sourced from NERI’s Technical Report No. 618 (2007) (2) and NERI’s Technical Report No. 581 (2006) (3) (and associated data), unless stated otherwise. Primary production off western Greenland is high and the spring bloom is important in determining the production capacity of the arctic marine food web. In Disko Bay the onset of the bloom can vary year to year as a result of

(1) Gobeil, C., Macdonald, R. W. & Smith, J. N., 1999. Mercury Profiles in Sediments of the Arctic Ocean Basins. Environmental

Science and Technology. 33 (23): 4194–4198. (2) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon

activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (3) Söderkvist, J., Nielsen, T.G., Jespersen, M. (2006) Physical and biological oceanography in West Greenland waters with

emphasis on shrimp and fish larvae distribution. NERI Technical Report, No. 581, 60pp.


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the presence of sea ice and variability in solar radiation. However, the plankton bloom usually starts in late April and develops throughout May. The spring bloom may occur earlier at the polynya that forms west of Disko Island. The spring bloom moves from the south of the Davis Strait into the north as the ice melts and although primary production starts under the ice the bloom does not occur until the ice has melted. Local conditions, such as the sea ice and the system of currents in this region affect the location of the spring bloom and so the areas of highest importance for primary production will vary within and between seasons. Most primary production occurs close to the coast and in fjords, where both spring and late summer blooms occur. High levels of primary production occur at marginal ice zones where meltwater stabilises the water column, and also during the summer months when nutrients are brought to the surface by upwelling water or fronts. During the spring bloom diatoms such as Nitzchia, Thalassiosira, Navicula, Fragilaria and Coscinodiscus are the most dominant group of marine phytoplankton but after the spring bloom and in the late summer bloom other smaller species dominate, such as those of the genera Phaeocystis and Chaeothocerus as well as some dinoflagellates and flagellates (1). Other sources of primary production in the Disko Bay area are attached marine algae and ice algae. A band of green algae and a band of brown algae characterises the littoral zone around the coast of Greenland (2). Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is found at and below the low tide line. Attached marine algae forests are found at the lower part of the littoral zone (to depths of 30-50 m) and is primarily composed of sea colander (Agarum cribrosum) and kelp (Laminaria longicruris). Seaweed forests are important nurseries for several fish larvae and young lumpfish. Ice algae, which grow on the underside of the sea ice, at the marginal ice zone can be extremely productive. First year ice generally has less ice algae than multi year ice, however, the relative importance of the marginal ice zone is not fully understood.

4.2.2 Zooplankton

Western Greenland is dominated by holoplankton (3) with the most important being crustaceans, which constitute 86% of the zooplankton biomass (4). Crustaceans, specifically the genus Calanus (including their larval stages), are the most dominant and form the staple diet for many fish, larvae, whales and seabirds, which with 84% of the crustacean biomass is thought to be one of the most important animal groups in northern marine regions. Calanus finmarchicus is the most common species found in the waters surrounding Greenland and in addition C. glacialis and C. hyperboreus are found in Arctic waters. These copepods live in the top 100 m of the water column in spring and summer and feed exclusively on algae. During autumn and winter they sink to deeper water where they metabolise their energy reserves. Other

(1) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55, Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (2) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55, Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (3) Organisms that are pelagic throughout their life. (4) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources. 2003. Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55,

Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp.


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copepods found in western Greenland include Metridia longa and species of the genera Paracalanus, Pseudocalanus, Oncaea, Oithona and Microstella. High numbers of Calanus have been recorded in Disko Bay, over the fishing banks and further west in deep waters, which are also important sites for fish larvae development. Shrimp larvae are generally found in water less than 200 m deep, over the fishing banks and where their prey is located. The appearance of the Calanus populations in early summer coincides with the peak abundance of shrimp and fish larvae, which prey on Calanus spp. The western Greenland zooplankton biomass is also composed of meroplankton (1), which are mainly found in areas of high productivity along the coasts and in fjords and is dominated by crustacean larvae, such as barnacles, crabs and shrimp. The larvae of fish, echinoderms, bivalves, snails and polychaetes are also present in Disko Bay.

4.2.3 Invertebrates

Benthic communities are an important ecosystem component on the West Greenland continental shelf in Baffin Bay. Communities provide a food source for fish and other invertebrates and in some cases serve as the basis for fisheries for species such as scallops and shrimp. The northern prawn or pink shrimp (Pandalus borealis), is found as far north as Upernavik on the west coast. They live at depths of 10-500 m on muddy sediments in waters between 0°C and 14°C. They can be found both offshore and in the fjords along the coast. Spawning occurs between July and September. The Iceland scallop (Chlamys islandica) spawns inshore and on banks between 20 and 60 m deep with high current velocities (2). They are generally found on hard substrates but can also be found on sand, gravel, rock and sometimes clay. The snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) is found in coastal area and fjords in depths of 180 to 400 m. It is found on sandy or muddy sediments and spawns in April and May. In general benthic communities are determined by temperature, the influence of different water masses, the type of sediment and the food supply to the benthos (eg Eleftheriou and Basford, (1989) (3) and Stewart et al (1985)). Longhurst (2007) (4) identifies benthic community types typical of arctic regions. Below the ice scoured intertidal and shallow sublittoral zone, down to about 50 m (ie in the influence of the surface water mass) the benthos is typified by modifications of the Macoma and Astarte (both bivalve molluscs) communities with variants depending on sediment type. These communities tend to have high biomass. The slope areas and deeper locations are frequently also dominated by Asarte but with Bathyarca, another bivalve, as a co-dominant species. This is the Astarte- Bathyarca community which often has aggregations of tube building amphipods (shrimp like crustacea) eg Haploops tubicola. Other amphipods particularly ampelescids are commonly

(1) Species that are only pelagic for part of their life cycle. (2) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon

activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (3) Eleftheriou, A. and Basford, D. J. 1989. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, 69: 123–143. (4) Longhurst A. Ecological Geography of the Seas, 2nd Edition 2007. Pubs Elsevier Press


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associated. In deeper areas foraminifera are typical in communities of relatively low biomass in comparison with shallower areas. In areas affected by ice scour benthic habitats will be disturbed and there is evidence from shallow arctic waters that communities inside and outside ice scoured areas are markedly different, ice scour eliminated or damaged large delicate species and smaller polychaetes and bivalves predominated (Conlan et al 1998) (1). Scavenging and predatory polychaetes (bristle-worms) and amphipods were tended to congregate in the ice scoured areas to feed of damaged and exposed fauna. It is likely that ice scoured sediment in which the benthos has been eliminated or is dredged from subsurface layers will be colonised by opportunist species which are able to colonise areas rapidly. Ice scour will also tend to alter the sediment by exposing subsurface substrata and depositing ice rafted material in this way increasing habitat diversity and therefore the range of community types. The infaunal survey results have been analysed by multivariate statistics (2). The results indicate that the benthic communities sampled are consistent within each site. For both T3 and T4 most replicates are clustered together at a 60-70% similarity level. This highlights the relatively consistent nature and homogeneous habitat environment recorded at these sites. This is further supported by the particle size analysis and seabed photography in both areas. However, whilst the replicates within both sites showed significant consistency, the benthic communities between well locations were quite different to each other exhibiting only 50% similarity between wellsites. Using multivariate analyses to compare all samples the replicates separated out into their respective survey areas. The multivariate statistics also indicate that the communities of T4 and T3 sites cluster together at around 50% similarity. This means that significant groups within the two survey areas were common to both areas, with 120 common taxa recorded at both sites and nine species common to the top 15 ranked species at both sites. Very close community compositions were seen in the numbers of polychaetes Amphicteis gunneri, Minuspio cirrifera, Lumbrineris fragilis, Tharyx marioni and the bivalve Thyasira gouldi, with all recorded within the top seven species for both sites. The key variation between the two survey areas was the presence of the tubiculous amphipod Haploops tubicola at the T4 location in very high numbers. Other species that were common to both sites (top 15 ranked species) but in slightly lower numbers were the bivalve Limutula subauriculata, Nemertea (unidentified to species level), Nematodes and the polychaete Aglaophamus malmgreni. The total number recorded was similar for both sites. Observations of macroinvertebrate species, such as the very dominant foraminifera species were consistent in replicates from both well sites with

(1) Conlan, K. E, Lenithan, H. S., Kvitek R. G. & Oliver J.S. 1998. Ice scour disturbance to benthic communities in the

Canadian High Arctic. Marine Ecology Progress Series 166: 1-16. (2) The multivariate statistics used to examine these data were MDS ordination and cluster analysis using PRIMER

software.


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Rhabdammina and Quniqueloculina sp found in high numbers for all replicates in addition to a third unidentified taxa. Most of the dominant fauna are detritus or suspension feeders and few are particularly mobile indicating that the samples were taken from locations which had not recently been affected by ice scour and are not generally associated with re-colonisation of disturbed habitats. For both sites the communities are consistent with those described by Stewart et al (1985) for this region and are likely to be widespread in circumpolar seas. A summary of the benthic information for the T4 and T3 sites is presented in Table 4.20 below. Full details on the results of the survey of these well sites are presented in Annex B.

Table 4.20 Summary of Benthic Invertebrate Communities

Habitat Parameter

T4 T3

Topography T4 site is located on a gentle northwest facing continental slope in an area of intense scour by icebergs. Gradients across the site ranging from 0-21˚. Depths range from 456 m – 515 m.

T3 site is located on a relatively flat seabed on the continental slope in an area of occasional scour by icebergs. Gradients across the site related to these features ranged from 0 15˚. Depths range from 365 m – 383 m.

Sediments Surface is dominated by a thin veneer of modern hemipelagic fine silt and clay. The proportion of fine sediments was 83% with minor sand and biogenic gravels at the surface. Seabed photography showed some sediment changes relative to ice modification. Occasional exposure of glacial clays and increased frequency of boulders on the edges of iceberg scours.

Surface is dominated by a thin veneer of modern hemipelagic fine silt and clay. The proportion of fine sediments was 86% with minor sand and biogenic gravels at the surface. Seabed photography showed some sediment changes relative to ice modification. Occasional exposure of glacial clays and increased frequency of boulders on the edges of iceberg scours.

Epifauna and megafauna

Typical for the base sediment material of slightly sandy silts and clays with very occasional hard surfaces (ice-rafted). Fairly diverse population dominated by sponges with up to 15 different species identified. Others groups well represented were the coelenterate (12 taxa), echinoderms (8 taxa) and bryozoans (5 taxa). Statistical variation in epifauna, predominantly due to the distribution of the sponge Asbestopluma sp and two bryozoans Idmidronea atlantica and Hornera lichenoides.

Typical for the base sediment material of slightly sandy silts and clays with very occasional hard surfaces (ice-rafted). Less diverse population dominated by sponges with up to 8 different species, identified. Other groups represented were the coelenterate (4 taxa), echinoderms (3 taxa) and bryozoans (2 taxa). Statistical variation in epifauna due to variable density of U-shaped burrows (Molpadia?), tubes of the amphipod Haploops, the sponge Stylocordyla borealis and Porifera unid, and the coelenterate Zoantharia sp.


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Habitat Parameter

T4 T3

Macrofauna Rich homogenous community minor patchiness due to spicule matting. Macrofauna typical for a deep-water mixed substrate dominated by small polychaetes and crustaceans both by species and abundance. Dominant species were the tubiculous amphipod Haploops tubicola, and the polychaete Tharyx marioni. Total of 140 infaunal species: 53 annelids 23 molluscs 43 crustaceans 6 echinoderms 15 others. Richness of 40 (106) taxa 0.1m2 (m2). Abundance 189 (1806) per 0.1m2 (m2). Mean diversity 4.6.

Rich homogenous community throughout Macrofauna typical for a deep-water mixed substrate dominated by small polychaetes and molluscs both by species and abundance. Dominant species were the polychaetes Amphicteis gunneri and Minuspio cirrifera and the bivalve mollusc Thyasira gouldi. Total of 125 infaunal species: 52 annelids 24 molluscs 34 crustaceans 7 echinoderms 8 others. Richness of 41 (97) taxa 0.1m2 (m2). Abundance 194 (1944) per 0.1m2 (m2). Mean diversity 4.8.

Some rarely observed and possibly new species were recorded during the survey (full benthic analysis is ongoing), as would be expected in a frontier area with little previous baseline information such as offshore Greenland. The presence of rarely observed species is not altogether unexpected given the remote location and limited access to the seabed. Furthermore, examples were not recorded as part of a sensitive habitat or as being uncommon to the survey so are not considered to be significant. Consequently, no sensitive benthic habitats or species of conservational concern were identified during the survey.

4.2.4 Fish

Fish in Greenlandic waters can be divided into three distribution groups: boreal, Arctic and boreal-Arctic (1). Boreal species are associated with temperate, sub-Arctic waters while Arctic species are more abundant in the north Davis Strait and north and east Greenland. Fishbase contains information on 208 of the species found around Greenland (Annex C). The Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR) describes some of the most common species found off the west coast of Greenland (Table 4.21), however, species composition and distribution change with climate.

Table 4.21 Common Marine Fish Species Found off Western Greenland

Species Common Name

Main Habitat Distribution

Somnious microcephalus

Greenland shark

Benthopelagic, 0-2200 m, intertidal-deep sea.

East, south and west coasts of Greenland

(1) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55,



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Species Common Name

Main Habitat Distribution

Amblyraja hyperborea Arctic skate

Demersal, sandy and muddy sediments on lower continental slope, 140-2500 m. Baffin Bay and Davis Strait

Amblyraja radiata Thorny skate

Benthic species found on all sediment types, 20-1000 m. Baffin Bay

Clupea harengus Herring

Coastal, pelagic, 0-364 m. South coast to Upernavik

Salmonidae spp.

Salmon species

Mostly diadromous species that spawn in freshwater, 0-210 m. South coast to Aasiaat

Salvelinus alpinus Arctic char

Lakes and streams and along the coasts, 30-70 m. Inland

Mallotus villosus Capelin

Pelagic, open ocean with seasonal migrations to coastal areas, 0-725 m. South Coast to Upernavik

Macrouridae spp. Grenadier Deep water, 200-2000 m.

West Greenland and southern Davis Strait

Gadus morhua Atlantic cod Offshore waters, live in association with ice, 0–600 m.

West coast up to to Qerqertarsuaq

Gadus ogac Greenland cod Coastal, benthic, 0-400 m. West coast from Nunap Isua to Upernavik

Boreogadus saida Polar cod

Coastal to continental shelf, live in association with ice and pelagically in ice-free waters, 0-400 m. West coast

Ammodytidae (2 species) Sand lance

Fish banks and shallow water, 0-108 m. South coast to Uummannaq

Anarhichadidae (3 species) Wolffish Variety of habitats, 1-600 m. Nunap Isua to Upernavik Cyclopterus lumpus Lumpsucker

Rocky bottoms or floating seaweed, 50-150 m.

West coast and north to Uummannaq

Reinhardtius hippoglossoides

Greenland halibut

Pelagic, prefers low temperatures (< 6°C), 1-2000 m.

Entire west coast, fjords, up to Smith Sound

Hippoglossoides platessoides Sanddab Soft bottoms, 10-3000 m.

West coast fjords and Davis Strait from Nunap Isua to Upernavik

Scorpaenidae (4 species)

Rockfish including ocean perch

Pelagic or benthic (species dependant), 100-1000 m.

West coast fjords and Davis Strait to Uummannaq

Information sources: GINR (2003) (1), Fishbase (2009) (2).

Common Fish Species

Box 4.1 Greenland Shark

Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) are found along all coasts other than the most northern shores of Greenland.


Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (2) Fishbase is an online database containing information on most knownl fish species. Available from:

[http://www.fishbase.org/home.htm].


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S. microcephalus can reach 7 m in length and weigh over 1,000 kg. It is considered benthic, however, it occupies a broad depth range and can be found in water up to 2,200 m deep at temperatures between 0.6°C and 16°C. In colder months it tends to be found in shallow waters in intertidal areas and in shallow bays and the mouths of rivers. When the temperature starts to rise it retreats to deeper water. S. microcephalus feed on bony fish such as capelin, char and halibut as well as seals, seabirds, squid, crabs and other benthic invertebrates. The Greenland shark is an ovoviviparous species; the embryos are developed in the egg within a brood chamber in the body of the female. The pups are born live. There is no information available on any potential mating or pupping sites around Greenland.

Information sources: Compagno (1984) (1) Kiraly et al., (2003) (2). Image from: Compagno

(1984) (3).

Box 4.2 Arctic Skate

Arctic Skate (Amblyraja hyperborea) are commonly found in the Davis Strait between southwestern Greenland and Canada. A. hyperborea are found on the lower continental shelf, typically between 140–2,500 m at temperatures below 4°C. It is a benthic organism that feeds on other benthic fish and benthic invertebrates. A. hyperborea can grow to 1 m in length. The Arctic Skate is an oviparous species. The egg cases measure 8-12.5 cm long (excluding horns) and are deposited in soft bottom substrates and left to develop in very low temperatures. There is no information available on any potential mating or spawning sites around Greenland.

Information sources: GINR (2003) (4), Fishbase (2009) (5) and The Shark Trust (2009)(6). Image from: Plate 9 of Oceanic Ichthyology by G. Brown Goode and Tarleton H. Bean (1896).

Box 4.3 Thorny Skate

Thorny Skate (Amblyraja radiata) are found as far north as Baffin Bay. A. radiata is a mainly benthic species that can be found on all kinds of sediment, however, sandy and muddy

(1) Compagno, L.J.V. 1984. FAO species catalogue. Vol. 4. Sharks of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of

sharks species known to date. Part 1. Hexanchiformes to Lamniformes. FAO Fish Synop., (125) 4,1: 249 pp. (2) Kiraly, S.J., Moore, J.A. & Jasinski, P.H (2003) Deepwater and other sharks of the US Atlantic Ocean Exclusive Economic

Zone. Marine Fisheries Review. 65(4):1-64. (3) Compagno, L.J.V. 1984. FAO species catalogue. Vol. 4. Sharks of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of

sharks species known to date. Part 1. Hexanchiformes to Lamniformes. FAO Fish Synop., (125) 4,1: 249 pp. (4) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55,

Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (5) Fishbase is an online database containing information on most known fish species. Available from:

[http://www.fishbase.org/home.htm]. (6) The Shark Trust ID Guide to the Arctic Skate. Available from [www.sharktrust.org/do_download.asp?did=33234].

Accessed 23/12/09.


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substrates are preferred. The depth range of A. radiate is 20-1,000 m and depending on the size of the individual it feeds on crustaceans, fish and polychaete worms. The Thorny Skate is an oviparous species. Egg capsules measure between 3 and 9 cm long and are deposited in sandy or muddy flats to develop. There is no information available on any potential mating or egg laying sites around Greenland.

Information sources: GINR (2003) (1) and Fishbase (2009) (2). Image from: Plate 9 of Oceanic Ichthyology by G. Brown Goode and Tarleton H. Bean (1896).

Box 4.4 Herring

Herring (Clupea harengus) in western Greenland are found in boreal water from the south coast to Upernavik. C. harengus is a pelagic schooling fish that has been recorded at depths up to 364 m. It occurs both as migratory and stationary populations; migrating populations may migrate for feeding and/or spawning. It feeds mainly on copepods and spends the day in deeper water rising to the surface at night. Herring are regularly observed in spawning condition in fjord regions along the southern west coast, however, it is not known if fry are produced every year. Herring spawn between May and June, laying eggs on substrate.

Information sources: GINR (2003) (3), Fishbase (2009) (4) and NERIs Technical Report No. 618 (2007) (5). Image from: www.fishsource.org

Box 4.5 Atlantic Salmon

Adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are found around the south coast of Greenland to Aasiaat. Maturing Atlantic salmon are found on the continental plate west of Greenland and juveniles are found in freshwater. From August to November S. salar can be found foraging around Greenland’s coasts. S. salar spend the first one to six years of their life in freshwater, then migrate to the ocean where they are a pelagic species for one to four years and inhabit depths of up to 210 m. Juveniles feed mainly on aquatic insects, molluscs, crustaceans and fish, while adults at sea feed on squid, shrimps and fish. Adults in freshwater that are about to reproduce do not feed.



[http://www.fishbase.org/home.htm]. (3) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55,


[http://www.fishbase.org/home.htm]. (5) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon

activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp.


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Adult S. salar return to their river of origin to spawn, where they spawn in gravel beds. Many fish die after spawning but some manage to return to the sea and survive to spawn during the next reproductive cycle. One stream located at the bottom of the fjord network by Nuuk is suitable for spawning and produces only a small amount of salmon. Observations have been made of fish attempting to spawn at other sites, however, no fry have been observed.

Information sources: GINR (2003) (1) and Fishbase (2009) (2). Image from: McDowall, R.M. (1990) New Zealand freshwater fishes a natural history and guide. Hinemann Reed Auckland. 553 p via Fishbase.

Box 4.6 Arctic Char

Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) are found in Greenland’s streams, lakes and along its coasts. During summer months migrating S. alpinus travel to the coast to feed and return to the streams where they were hatched in autumn, where they spend the winter. S. alpinus will spend its first three years in freshwater before it embarks on yearly foraging trips to the coast. At sea it feeds primarily on zooplankton but larger fish tend to be cannibalistic. In freshwater it feeds on planktonic crustaceans, amphipods, molluscs, insects and fish.

Information sources: GINR (2003) (3) and Fishbase (2009) (4). Image from: McPhail, J.D. and C.C. Lindsey )1970) Freshwater fishes of northwestern Canada and Alaska. Fish. Res. Board Can. Bull. 173 381p via Fishbase.

Box 4.7 Capelin

Capelin (Mallotus villosus) are found from Upernavik on the west coast southward to Tasiilaq/Ammassalik along the east coast. This is a pelagic species that is found from the surface to depths of up to 725 m. During the summer, M. villosus usually feed on plankton at the edge of the ice shelf but larger individuals may also feed on krill and other crustaceans. M. villosus is an important link in the food chain between small organisms, larger fish and marine mammals. Capelin migrate inshore (10-50 m deep) to spawn in seaweed forests on gravel or pebbly sediment during late spring and early summer.

Information sources: GINR (2003) (5), Fishbase (2009) (6) and ICES NWWG Report (2008) (1).









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Image from: Evermann, B.W. and E.L. Goldsborough (1907). The fishes of Alaska. Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish via Fishbase.

Box 4.8 Grenadier

There are many species of the grenadier family that inhabit the west coast of Greenland. The only one found near the licence block is the onion-eye grenadier (Macrourus berglax). The depth range of the grenadier is species dependant but most inhabit depths of 200-2,000 m. They appear to prefer temperatures of 1-4°C, although they have been found at temperatures below 0°C. Target prey species are varied and also species dependant. Typical prey species include amphipods, polychaetes, crustaceans, bivalves, echinoderms, benthic invertebrates and fish. Grenadier are batch spawners, meaning an individual will spawn multiple times in a season. There is no information available on any potential mating or spawning sites around the coast of Greenland.

Information sources: GINR (2003) (2) and Fishbase (2009) (3). Image from: Cohen, D.M., T. Inada, T. Iwamoto and N. Scialabba (1990) FAO species catalogue. Vol. 10. Gadiform fishes of the world - Order gadiform fishes known to date. FAO Fish. synop. 10 (125) 442p via Fishbase.

Box 4.9 Greenland Cod

Greenland cod (Gadus ogac) are found close to the coast and in fjords along the west coast from Nunap Isua northward to Upernavik. G. ogac is a benthic species that is rarely found offshore in deep water. It prefers to live in the shallows and water to 400 m. G. ogac feeds on shrimps, crabs, squids, polychaetes, echinoderms and fish, such as capelin, polar cod, smaller Greenland cod and Greenland halibut. Spawning occurs inshore and in fjords between February and March. The eggs are demersal and the larvae are pelagic.

Information sources: GINR (2003) (4) and Fishbase (2009) (5). Image from: Cohen, D.M., T. Inada, T. Iwamoto and N. Scialabba (1990) FAO species catalogue. Vol. 10. Gadiform fishes of the world - Order gadiform fishes known to date. FAO Fish. synop. 10 (125) 442p via Fishbase.

Box 4.10 Polar Cod

Polar cod (Boreogadus saida) are found all around Greenland’s coasts and throughout the Arctic. B. saida is a pelagic species usually found

(1) ICES (2008) Report of the North Western Working Group (NWWG), 21-29 April 2008, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen.

ICES CM 2008/ACOM:03, 604pp. (2) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55,






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near to coasts or in association with the ice. It can survive very cold waters and has been found from the surface to 400 m deep. They feed on epibenthic mysids, amphipods and copepods although for individuals associated with ice the main food item in the winter is fish. They are an important part of the food web and are a food source for seabirds and marine mammals. B. saida spawns in winter in nearshore waters but the locations of spawning sites around Greenland are unknown. Their eggs, which float and assemble under the ice hatch larvae in the spring when the ice melts.

Information sources: Cohen et al. (1990) (1), Mosbech et al. (2007) (2). Image from: The Fisheries and Fisheries Industries of the United States (1887).

Box 4.11 Atlantic Cod

The Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is found on the west coast of Greenland as far north as Qerqertarsuaq. It is found in coastal waters to a depth of approximately 600 m. It can survive in a wide range of temperatures from 0°C to 20°C. Cod feed on a large variety of fish and invertebrates. Spawning times vary with location but are likely to be between January and May. They generally spawn near the seabed at 50-200 m deep as well as in fjords on the west coast of Greenland. Figure 4.15 shows the historic location of cod spawning grounds off the south coast of Greenland. Recent surveys have confirmed the presence of spawning areas off the east coast of Greenland. Although the exact co-ordinates of all the spawning areas are unknown there is an important cod spawning ground on the Ammassalik Shelf where the East Greenland Polar Front splits into three branches (3).

Information sources: Cohen et al. (1990) (4), ICES (2008) (5). Image from: Hertwig and Richard (1909). A Manual of Zoology, p. 577, New York: Henry Holt and Company.

(1) Cohen, D.M., Inada.T., Iwamoto, T. & Scialabba, N. 1990. FAO species catalogue. Vol. 10. Gadiform fishes of the world

(Order Gadiformes). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of cods, hakes, grenadiers and other gadiform fishes known to

date. FAO Fisheries Synopsis. No. 125, Vol. 10. Rome, FAO. 1990. 442 p. (2) Mosbech, A., Beortmann, D. & Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon

activities in the Disko West area. National Environmental Research Institute - NERI technical report no. 618, 188pp. (3) Sherman, K. & Hempel, G. 2009. The UNEP Large Marine Ecosystem Report: A perspective on changing conditions in

LMEs of the world’s Regional Seas. UNEP Regional Seas Report and Studies No. 182. United Nations Environment Programme. Nairobi, Kenya.

(4) Cohen, D.M., Inada.T., Iwamoto, T. & Scialabba, N. 1990. FAO species catalogue. Vol. 10. Gadiform fishes of the world (Order Gadiformes). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of cods, hakes, grenadiers and other gadiform fishes known to

date. FAO Fisheries Synopsis. No. 125, Vol. 10. Rome, FAO. 1990. 442 p. (5) ICES. 2008. Report of the North-Western Working Group (NWWG), 21 - 29 April 2008, ICES Headquarter,

Copenhagen. ICES CM 2008 /ACOM:03. 604 pp.


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Figure 4.15 Historic Location of Cod Spawning Grounds

Source: Modified after Wieland and Hovgård (2002). In: ICES NWWG (2008).

Box 4.12 Sand Lance

Two species of sand lance (Ammodytidae spp.) occur on the west coast of Greenland as far north as Uummannaq. Ammodytidae spp. live on shallow water fish banks (up to 108 m deep) and can often be found buried in the sand. They feed on crustaceans, worms and copepods, especially Calanus finmarchicus. They are an important prey species for Atlantic cod and salmon. Spawning occurs during the summer months.

Information sources: GINR (2003) (1), Fishbase (2009) (2) and NERI Technical Report No. 618 (2007) (3). Image from: NOAA.

Box 4.13 Wolf-fish

There are three species of wolf-fish (or catfish) off Greenland. The Atlantic wolf-fish (Anarhichas lupus; pictured), the northern wolf-fish (A. denticulatus) and the spotted wolf-fish (A. minor). They are all found from Upernavik on the west coast southwards and up to Tasiilaq/Ammassalik on the east coast. Both A. lupus and A. minor live in waters up to 600 m deep whereas A. denticulatus can



[http://www.fishbase.org/home.htm]. (3) Mosbech, A., Beortmann, D. & Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon

activities in the Disko West area. National Environmental Research Institute - NERI technical report no. 618, 188pp.


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be found at depths of up to 1,700 m. A. lupus lives over rocky sediments in water temperatures between -1°C and 13° C but is sometimes found over sandy and muddy substrates (often found inshore) whereas A. minor lives on soft sediments. A. denticulatus lives in the middle of the water column but can also be found near the seabed. All species feed on fish, crustaceans, echinoderms and molluscs but there is some interspecies variation. A. lupus migrates inshore to spawn which occurs in late spring. Information on the spawning behaviour of the other species is limited but A. denticulatus is thought to spawn in deep water.

Information sources: Fishbase (2009) (1) and Canada’s Polar Life (2009) (2). Image from: Canada’s Polar Life (2009).

Box 4.14 Lumpfish

Lumpfish or lumpsuckers (Cyclopterus lumpus) are generally found attached to rocks or algae in areas with rocky sediments from very shallow waters down to 860 m deep. In Greenland they are found from Uummannaq on the west coast southwards and up to Tasiilaq/ Ammassalik on the east coast. Lumpfish feed on ctenophores (or comb jellies), cnidarians including jelly fish, small crustaceans, polychaetes and small fishes. Lumpfish spawn in shallow coastal water in the summer between rocks and seaweed in coastal areas.

Information sources: Fishbase (2009) (3) and Canada’s Polar Life (2009) (4). Image from: http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/lineart/lumpy.jpg

(1) Fishbase is an online database containing information on most known fish species. Available from:

[http://www.fishbase.org/home.htm]. (2) Hebert PDN, Wearing-Wilde J, eds. Canada's Polar Life. CyberNatural Software, University of Guelph. Revised 2002.

Available from: <www.polarlife.ca>. Downloaded on: 24th February 2009. (3) Fishbase is an online database containing information on most known fish species. Available from:

[http://www.fishbase.org/home.htm]. (4) Hebert PDN, Wearing-Wilde J, eds. Canada's Polar Life. CyberNatural Software, University of Guelph. Revised 2002.

Available from: <www.polarlife.ca>. Downloaded on: 24th February 2009.


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Box 4.15 Greenland Halibut

The Greenland Halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) is found along the entire west coast, south coast and up the east coast to Ittoqqortoormiit. They live at 200-1,000 m deep in waters between -1.5°C and 4.5°C. They are generally a benthic species but can be pelagic as well. In the southern Davis Strait off the west coast of Greenland, they spawn during winter and early spring. Information is not available on any potential spawning sites off the east coast of Greenland.

Information sources: GINR (2003) (1) and Fishbase (2009) (2). Image from: NOAA’s National Ocean Service. Available from: http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov.

Box 4.16 Sanddabs

Sanddabs (Hippoglossoides platessoides) are commonly found in the west coast fjords and the Davis Strait from Nunap Isua to Upernavik. H. platessoides live on soft bottoms and are most abundant between 90 m and 250 m but can be found at depths of 3,000 m. Preferred temperatures are between -0.5 and 2.5°C. They feed on invertebrates and small fish. H. platessoides are batch spawners in the spring.

Information from: (2003) (3) and Fishbase (2009) (4). Image from: Plate 9 of Oceanic Ichthyology by G. Brown Goode and Tarleton H. Bean (1896).

Box 4.17 Rockfish

Two species of rockfish (Scorpaenidae) occur around western Greenland: ocean perch (Sebastes marinus) and deepwater redfish (S. mentella). Both species are found in the deep fjords of the Davis Strait. Redfish can be benthic and pelagic, found in depths of 300-1,440 m, whereas ocean perch are benthic and found at depths of 100-1,000 m. The most important spawning areas for these species are southeast of Greenland, however, currents carry the larvae into the southern Davis Strait and up to the banks of Lille Hellefiskebanke.

Information sources: Fishbase (2009) (5), Thomson (2003) (1) and GINR (2003) (2). Image from:

NOAA Photo Library (3).





[http://www.fishbase.org/home.htm]. (5) Fishbase is an online database containing information on most known fish species. Available from:

<http://www.fishbase.org/home.htm>.

http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/�


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Hearing in Fish

Bony fish (teleosts) have inner ears which can detect particle displacement created by sound vibrations in the water when the source of the sound is close. Cartilaginous fish (elasmobranchs including sharks and rays) are able to detect these near-source vibrations through their lateral line (4). Some species of fish are also able to hear sound sources that are much further away. These species often have swim bladders in close association with the inner ear. The gas bubble within the swim bladder is more compressible than water and pulsates when exposed to sound thereby creating particle movement that stimulates the auditory nerves and otoliths of the inner ear. For example, Atlantic cod have extensions of the swim bladder which allows them to discriminate between high and low repetition rates of ultrasonic pulses (5). Cod are also able to distinguish between sounds that are separated by space or distance (6). Their most sensitive hearing is at 75 dB re 1 μPa at 160 Hz (7). Evidence suggests that herring can hear sounds in the range of 30 Hz to 4 kHz (8) with a hearing threshold of 75 dB re 1 μPa at 100 Hz (9). There has been only limited research conducted on hearing in fish and only a few species have been extensively studied. Fish that are likely to be sensitive to noise are often described as hearing specialists and can hear a wide frequency range such as cod. Hearing generalists such as salmon are thought to be able to hear only a narrow frequency range and are not expected to be sensitive to most noise sources.

4.2.5 Seabirds

There are 14 breeding seabird species along the coast in the vicinity of the licence area, with seaducks assembling to moult in summer and other species occurring only as migrant visitors during spring and autumn (10). Due to the harsh climate very few species overwinter in Greenland, although a number of seabirds (particularly murres and eiders) winter in large numbers in open water around southwest Greenland.

(1) Thomson, A (2003) The Management of Red Fish (Sebastes mentella) in the North Atlantic Ocean - a Stock in Movement.

Papers presented at the Norway-FAO Expert Consultation on the Management of Shared Fish Stocks. Bergen, Norway, 7-10 October 2002. FAO Fisheries Report. No. 695, Suppl. Rome, FAO. 2003. 240p.

(2) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55, Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (3) Downloaded: 26th February 2009 Available from: <www.photolib.noaa.gov> (4) The lateral line is a sense organ that can detect movement and vibration in the water column. (5) Moyle, P.B. & Cech, J.J. 2000. Fishes: An Introduction to Ichthyology. 4th Ed. Prentice-Hall, USA. 612 pp. (6) Thomsen, F., Lüdemann, K., Kafemann, R. & Piper, W. 2006. Effects of Offshore Wind Farm Noise on Marine Mammals and Fish. Biola, Hambury, Germany on behalf of COWRIE Ltd. (7) Thomsen, F., Lüdemann, K., Kafemann, R. & Piper, W. 2006. Effects of Offshore Wind Farm Noise on Marine Mammals and Fish. Biola, Hambury, Germany on behalf of COWRIE Ltd. (8) Enger P S, 1967. Hearing in Herring. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology 22, 527-538. (9) Thomsen, F., Lüdemann, K., Kafemann, R. & Piper, W. 2006. Effects of Offshore Wind Farm Noise on Marine Mammals

and Fish. Biola, Hambury, Germany on behalf of COWRIE Ltd. (10) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon

activities in the Disko West area. National Environmental Research Institute - NERI Technical Report No. 618.


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Many of the seabirds found in Greenland breed in colonies ranging in size from a few pairs to more than 50,000 individuals. Colonies not only vary in size but also in composition, containing up to 10 different species in one colony (1). Bird colonies can be found in a range of habitats including scree slopes, cliffs, small islands and rocky outcrops. Seabird colonies may be up to 30 km from the coast, with birds commuting to the sea to feed. It is thought that approximately 84% of all seabird colonies in Greenland are on the west coast (2). Information on the distribution of seabird species on the west coast of Greenland is generally good, however, some data are in need of updating as they are from the 1920s onwards and changes in colony size, location and diversity have been observed in some areas. Figure 4.16 shows the distribution and size of mixed colonies of more than 200 individuals in the Disko West area. It also shows the distribution of other known seabird colonies of more than 200 individuals of a particular species to the north of the Disko West area. Mixed colony data were not available for this region; mixed colonies of more than 200 individuals containing small numbers of any one species (less than 200 individuals) are not represented. Colonies of 200 or more individuals of the following species are shown: Arctic tern, Atlantic puffin, black guillemot, common eider, fulmar, glaucous gull, Iceland gull, kittiwake, little auk and thick billed murre. Seabird moulting areas can be found in Figure 4.17.

(1) Mosbech, A., Beortmann, D. & Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon

activities in the Disko West area. National Environmental Research Institute - NERI technical report no. 618, 188pp (2) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55,


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Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis)

The northern fulmar is common along the western coast of Greenland and is found in large numbers in a few breeding colonies in Disko Bay and Uummannaq Fjord. It has been estimated that there are in excess of 80,000 breeding pairs in NW Greenland, however, this estimate is of low quality and the actual population is expected to be much higher (1). Fulmar colonies are formed on steep cliffs with pairs laying a single egg on a cliff ledge. Birds are present from April to early October. Fulmars will forage over a wide area and feed on a range of food items including fish and crustaceans, feeding from the sea surface. Outside of the breeding season northern fulmar are largely pelagic, foraging widely at low densities (2). Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Eiders are a widespread species which are present on most of the west Greenland coastline. During a survey between April and May 2006 large numbers of eider were observed on aerial transects (30,892 individuals), between the aerial transects (31,163 individuals) and on the ship-based transects (4,183 individuals), especially along the coasts (3). The common eider breeding population is thought to moult and winter in the open water area off West Greenland. They arrive at coastal areas of open water such as polynyas from their wintering areas in April or May from where they disperse to breeding sites all along the coast (4). During the summer flightless moulting flocks of males and non-breeding females congregate in fjords and sounds. Eider are diving ducks, which feed on benthic molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms in coastal waters. King Eider (Somateria spectabilis)

Between April and May 2006 55,000 king eider were observed on aerial transects, with the total population in Disko Bay and SE Baffin Bay was estimated at 400,000 birds (5). King eider found in Disko Bay are likely to be from the Canadian population that breed in Canada and moult and winter in West Greenland. Post breeding, male birds congregate in large flocks in sheltered inshore waters to moult before all birds move to wintering areas further offshore. Moulting and wintering birds congregate in western

(1) Frederiksen, M., Boertmann, D., Cuykens, A.B., Hansen, J., Jespersen, M., Johansen, K.L., Mosbech, A., Nielsen, T.G. and

Söder kvist, J. (2008) Life in the marginal ice zone: oceanographic and biological surveys in Disko Bay and south-eastern

Baffin Bay April-May 2006. National Environmental Research Institute. NERI Technical Report No. 694. (2) Boertmann D, Mosbech A and Johansen K (2008) Preliminary Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of

hydrocarbon activities in the KANUMAS East Assessment area. (3) Frederiksen, M., Boertmann, D., Cuykens, A.B., Hansen, J., Jespersen, M., Johansen, K.L., Mosbech, A., Nielsen, T.G. and

Söder kvist, J. (2008) Life in the marginal ice zone: oceanographic and biological surveys in Disko Bay and south-eastern Baffin Bay April-May 2006. National Environmental Research Institute. NERI Technical Report No. 694.

(4) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55, Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (5) Frederiksen, M., Boertmann, D., Cuykens, A.B., Hansen, J., Jespersen, M., Johansen, K.L., Mosbech, A., Nielsen, T.G. and Söder kvist, J. (2008) Life in the marginal ice zone: oceanographic and biological surveys in Disko Bay and south-eastern

Baffin Bay April-May 2006. National Environmental Research Institute. NERI Technical Report No. 694.


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Greenland around Store Hellefiskebanke and the adjacent coast, making this area important for king eider (1). Black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)

Kittiwake abundance in Disko Bay and SE Baffin Bay has been estimated at approximately 77,000 birds (2). In 2005 20,000 pairs bred in the regions main breeding sites (Torsukattaq and Ritenbenk); high densities occur near the large breeding colonies in northern Baffin Bay and Upernavik (3). Kittiwake nest colonially on cliffs, with colony sizes ranging from a few birds to tens of thousands. Outside the breeding season, kittiwakes are largely pelagic surface feeders, feeding on small fish and crustaceans (4). After breeding they tend to concentrate in coastal waters off southwest Greenland then during autumn or winter most birds leave Greenland waters. Glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus)

Greenland represents the European stronghold of the glaucous gull, with an estimated 30,000-100,000 pairs in 2004 (5). The glaucous gull has been observed in many small colonies throughout the Upernavik area of western Greenland. They often nest in association with other seabird colonies (6). They are present at the breeding colonies from April-May until the autumn. Away from the breeding colonies, non-breeding birds are widely dispersed, more commonly in coastal areas than far offshore. They are omnivorous taking fish and crustaceans, young chicks and eggs of other birds and scavenging from boats and settlements (7). Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea)

The breeding population of arctic tern in Greenland was estimated at 30,000-100,000 pairs in 2004 (8). They are widespread breeders in coastal areas, with numerous colonies recorded on the west coast. The most numerous colony of Arctic terns is found at Grønne Ejland in the Southern Disko Bay area with an estimated 25,000 breeding pairs (1). Favoured coastal breeding areas are around polynyas and other areas where ice breaks up early allowing birds to feed, such as mouths of fjords and sounds. Birds return to breeding areas in

(1) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (2) Frederiksen, M., Boertmann, D., Cuykens, A.B., Hansen, J., Jespersen, M., Johansen, K.L., Mosbech, A., Nielsen, T.G. and Söder kvist, J. (2008) Life in the marginal ice zone: oceanographic and biological surveys in Disko Bay and south-eastern

Baffin Bay April-May 2006. National Environmental Research Institute. NERI Technical Report No. 694. (3) NERI (2010) Seabird densities offshore West Greenland. A data report with offshore maps presenting seasonal densities

of important seabird species based on a preliminary analysis of available ship-based surveys and airplane surveys, including the September 2009 surveys. (4) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55, Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (5) Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status (BirdLife International 2004)

(6) BirdLife International (2008) Species factsheet: Larus hyperboreus. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 27/2/2009 (7) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55, Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (8) Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status (BirdLife International 2004).


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early and mid June and depart once young are fledged in late August and early September. Arctic tern feed on small fish and crustaceans near the surface by plunge diving (2). During the breeding season they generally forage near to the shore, within 3 km of the colony but exceptionally up to 50 km (3). Brünnich’s guillemot (Thick-billed murre) (Uria lomvia)

Thick-billed murre have been observed throughout the region in open water and in cracks and leads of extensive drift ice fields. Population abundance from observations has been estimated at approximately 430,000 individuals, whereas the breeding population of Disko Bay and SE Baffin Bay is approximately 2000 pairs (4). Many of the observed birds were on a spring migration towards breeding colonies in northern Baffin Bay (approx 300,000 pairs) in NW Greenland, where high densities of birds have been observed. The large number of birds observed in the Davis Strait may be a concentration of foraging birds from the large colonies on eastern Baffin Island combined with non-breeding birds (5). Pairs nest on steep coastal cliffs near to areas that become ice free early in the year. Birds arrive at breeding sites in early summer and hatch a single chick. Chicks jump from nesting ledges to the sea after three weeks when still unfledged. They then undertake a swimming migration to southwest Greenland, accompanied by the flightless males undergoing their post breeding moult. Black guillemot (Cepphus grylle)

The abundance in Disko Bay and SE Baffin Bay is estimated at 21,000 birds (6). High densities in Uummannaq Fjord are associated with the fast ice edge, however, they have also been observed dispersed in the extensive drift ice field and in the coastal waters off south-western Disko. The species is a relatively widespread breeder, nesting near to the shore in areas inaccessible to predators either on cliffs or close to the sea in rock crevices. Colonies range in size from single pairs to a few hundred pairs. Black guillemot colonies south of Disko Bay are generally small in size but colony size north of Disko Bay frequently reaches 400 pairs. Black guillemots tend to forage much closer to their breeding colonies than other auks, generally in waters <50 m deep, on small fish and crustaceans.


Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (2) Boertmann D, Mosbech A and Johansen K (2008) Preliminary Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of

hydrocarbon activities in the KANUMAS East Assessment area. (3) BirdLife International (2008) Species factsheet: Sterna paradisaea. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 2/3/2009 (4) Frederiksen, M., Boertmann, D., Cuykens, A.B., Hansen, J., Jespersen, M., Johansen, K.L., Mosbech, A., Nielsen, T.G. and Söder kvist, J. (2008) Life in the marginal ice zone: oceanographic and biological surveys in Disko Bay and south-eastern

Baffin Bay April-May 2006. National Environmental Research Institute. NERI Technical Report No. 694. (5) NERI (2010) Seabird densities offshore West Greenland. A data report with offshore maps presenting seasonal densities

of important seabird species based on a preliminary analysis of available ship-based surveys and airplane surveys, including the September 2009 surveys.

(6) Frederiksen, M., Boertmann, D., Cuykens, A.B., Hansen, J., Jespersen, M., Johansen, K.L., Mosbech, A., Nielsen, T.G. and Söder kvist, J. (2008) Life in the marginal ice zone: oceanographic and biological surveys in Disko Bay and south-eastern

Baffin Bay April-May 2006. National Environmental Research Institute. NERI Technical Report No. 694.


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Little auk (Alle alle)

The Greenland breeding population of little auk was estimated at 10,000,000-40,000,000 pairs in 2004 (1). The majority of Greenland’s little auk population breed along the east coast, however, it is found along the west coast from Disko Bay north to Upernavik. Large flocks can be found during autumn and spring migrating west and southwest of Disko island (2). The species nests in large colonies on scree or talus rocks below steep cliffs. Little auk can forage at high densities up to approximately 100 km from colonies, feeding largely on pelagic crustaceans. Breeding adults arrive at breeding colonies in June and fledged young and adults leave the colonies in August-September. In autumn they migrate through Baffin Bay and the northern Davis Strait to winter in the Davis Strait or further south. Adults moult their flight feathers after breeding, becoming flightless and forming large rafts in coastal areas (3). Great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

The Greenland breeding population of great cormorants was estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 in 1996 and is likely to be isolated from other great cormorant populations (4). They are found along the coast from Maniitsoq to Upernavik in colonies rarely exceeding 50 pairs. The western Greenland population represents 4-6% of the total North Atlantic population. Breeding peaks between April and June and takes place in a variety of nesting sites, such as depressions or platforms of sticks on cliffs or in amongst boulders (5). Its diet consists predominantly of bottom dwelling fish but it will also eat shoaling fish from deeper water and crustaceans. Atlantic puffin (Fractercula arctica)

The western Greenland breeding population of Atlantic puffins was estimated at between 4,000 and 8,000 pairs in 1996 (6). It breeds in scattered colonies from the south to Avenersuaq and the largest colony of approximately 1,000 pairs is found on Nunatsiaq/Rotten in Disko Bay. The Atlantic puffin nests in concealed sites such as crevices and burrows, which they return to each year with the same mate to lay a single egg (7). Small fish are the main food source, which can be stored in a neat row in their specially adapted bills making fishing trips very productive. Fish are caught by diving into and swimming through the water for 20-40 seconds at a time.

(1) Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status (BirdLife International 2004). (2) NERI (2010) Seabird densities offshore West Greenland. A data report with offshore maps presenting seasonal densities

of important seabird species based on a preliminary analysis of available ship-based surveys and airplane surveys, including the September 2009 surveys. (3) Boertmann D, Mosbech A and Johansen K (2008) Preliminary Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the KANUMAS East Assessment area. (4) Boertman, D., Mosbech, A., Falk, K., Kampp, K. et al (1996) Seabird colonies in western Greenland. National Environmental Research Institute - NERI Technical Report No. 170, 149pp. (5) BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Phalacrocorax carbo. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 4/1/2010. (6) Boertman, D., Mosbech, A., Falk, K., Kampp, K. et al (1996) Seabird colonies in western Greenland. National Environmental Research Institute - NERI Technical Report No. 170, 149pp. (7) Wildlife Britain Atlantic puffin factsheet. Downloaded from http://www.wildlifebritain.com/puffins.php on 4/1/2010.


4-53

Iceland gull (Larus glaucoides)

Greenland’s breeding population of Iceland gull was estimated at between 20,000 and 100,000 pairs in 1996 (1). The Iceland gull breeds all along the central western Greenland coast with the largest colonies of up to 1,500 pairs found just south of Baffin Island. The Iceland gull lives on steep cliffs along rocky coasts and fjords where it constructs its nests out of dry grass, seaweed and moss (2). After breeding, Greenland’s population of Iceland gull disperse locally along the coast to feed. It forages along the intertidal zone feeding on small fish and invertebrates as well as bird eggs and chicks. Razorbill (Alca torda)

The razorbill (Alca torda) was estimated to have a scattered population of 2,000 to 5,000 pairs along the western Greenland coast from the south to central Avenersuaq in 1996 (3). It has been recorded to breed in colonies of up to 500 individuals. Razorbills breed on sheltered cliffs, laying one egg per year. They feed of fish, which they dive to catch. Greater black-backed gull (Larus marinus)

The greater black-backed gull was estimated to have a population of 3,000 to 5,000 pairs along the western coast of Greenland in 1996 (4). In general, the larger colonies are south of Baffin Island, however, many smaller colonies are found in the northen Uummannaq and Upernavik regions. The greater black-backed gull constructs a shallow nest from grass, moss and seaweed on a variety of substrates such as sand, rocky ridges and grass (5). Usually, breeding occurs in solitary pairs in amongst colonies of other species. After breeding it is largely gregarious. The greater black-backed gull is an omnivorous species eating shellfish, birds and carrion. Other species

Migrant species to the area during spring and autumn include two species of phalaropes (red-necked phalaropes, Phalaropus lobatus and grey phalaropes, Phalaropus fulicarius), Sabines gull (Larus sabini) and the rare and threatened ivory gull (Pagophila eburnea) (6). Seaducks (mainly king eiders, but also common eiders, harlequin ducks and red-breasted merganser) arrive along the west coast of Greenland in summer to moult in bays and fjords. Long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) breed, moult and winter in the shallow fjords and bays along the coast.

(1) Boertman, D., Mosbech, A., Falk, K., Kampp, K. et al (1996) Seabird colonies in western Greenland. National Environmental Research Institute - NERI Technical Report No. 170, 149pp. (2) BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Larus glaucoides. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 4/1/2010. (3) Boertman, D., Mosbech, A., Falk, K., Kampp, K. et al (1996) Seabird colonies in western Greenland. National Environmental Research Institute - NERI Technical Report No. 170, 149pp. (4) Boertman, D., Mosbech, A., Falk, K., Kampp, K. et al (1996) Seabird colonies in western Greenland. National Environmental Research Institute - NERI Technical Report No. 170, 149pp. (5) BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Larus marinus. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 4/1/2010. (6) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon



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Table 4.22 Summary Table of Seabirds in Western Greenland

Species Occurrence Habitat IUCN Red List Status

Greenland Red List Status

Importance of the Study Area to Population

Fulmar Breeding, post breeding and wintering

Coastal and offshore

Least concern

Least Concern High

Common eider

Breeding, post breeding, moulting and wintering

Coastal Least concern

Vulnerable High

King eider

Moulting and wintering


Not evaluated High

Black-legged kittiwake

Breeding and post breeding


Least concern

Endangered High

Glaucous gull

Breeding, post breeding and wintering


Least Concern Medium

Arctic tern

Breeding Coastal Least concern

Near threatened

High

Thick-billed murre



Least concern

Vulnerable High

Black Guillemot

Breeding and wintering


Least concern

Least Concern High

Little auk Breeding and wintering


Least concern

Least Concern High

Great cormorant



Least concern High

Atlantic puffin

Breeding and wintering


Least concern

Near Threatened

High

Iceland gull



Least concern


Razorbill Breeding and wintering


Least concern

Least Concern High

Greater black-backed gull



Least concern


Sabine’s gull

Migration Offshore Least concern

Near Threatened

Low

Ivory gull Migration and wintering

Offshore Near threatened

Vulnerable Medium

Source: NERI’s Technical Report No. 618 (1).

4.2.6 Marine Mammals

There are 20 species of marine mammal that regularly occur in the waters and along the coast of western Greenland in the vicinity of the licence area: 13 species of whale, 5 species of seal, walrus and polar bear (2).

(1) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon

activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (2) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon


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All species of seal have been hunted for centuries and are of great importance to Inuit hunters and their families. Harp seals and ringed seals the two most important species in relation to income and food supply and they comprise about 95% of the total catch in 2004 (1) (refer to the accompanying SIA for further details).

Table 4.23 Marine Mammals Found in the Waters Around and Along the West Coast of Greenland

Species Period of occurrence

Main habitat Stock size or abundance

IUCN Red List Status

Greenland red-list status

Importance of assessment area to population

Bowhead whale

February-July

Pack ice/marginal ice zone

1,230* Least concern

Near threatened

High

Minke whale

April-November

Coastal waters and banks

10,800* Least concern

Least concern

Medium

Humpback whale

June-November

Edge of banks, coastal waters

1,000 Least concern

Least concern

Medium

Fin Whale June-October

Edge of banks, coastal waters

3,200* Endangered Least concern

Medium

Blue whale July-October

Edge of banks

Few Endangered Data deficient

Low

Harbour porpoise

April-November

Whole area Common Least concern

Data deficient

Medium

Bottlenose whale

(June-August)

Deep water Infrequent Data deficient

Not applicable

Low

Pilot whale

June-October

Data required

Not common but regular**

Data deficient

Least concern

Low

Killer whale

June-August

Whole area Rare but regular

Data deficient

Not applicable

Low

Beluga whale

November-May

Banks 8,000 Near threatened

Critical endangered

High

Narwhal November-May

Edge of banks, deep waters

3,000 Near threatened

Critical endangered

High

Sperm whale

May-November

Deep water Unknown*** Vulnerable Not applicable

Low

Harp seal June-October

Whole area 5.4 million Least concern

Least concern

Medium

Hooded seal

March-October

Whole area Unknown but many

Vulnerable Least concern

Medium

Ringed seal

Whole year

Whole area, usually in ice

Common Least concern

Least concern

Medium

Harbour Whole Coastal Very rare Least Critical High

activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (1) The Greenland Home Rule (2006) Management and utilization of seals in Greenland, The Greenland Home Rule,

Department of Fisheries, Hunting and Agriculture, 20pp.


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Species Period of occurrence

Main habitat Stock size or abundance

IUCN Red List Status

Greenland red-list status

Importance of assessment area to population

seal year waters concern endangered Bearded seal

Mainly winter

Drift ice on the banks

Common Least concern

Data deficient

Medium

Walrus Winter Drift ice on the banks

3,000 Data deficient

Endangered High

Polar bear Mainly winter

Drift ice and ice edges

4,000 Vulnerable Vulnerable Medium

Source: NERI’s Technical Report No. 618 (1) *International Whaling Commission (2)

**NERI (2007) (3) ***NERI (2009) (4) Bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus)

Bowhead whales are an Arctic and near-Arctic species which, unlike many of the other large baleen whales, does not migrate to warmer waters to calve. Bowhead whales winter along the Greenland coast south of Disko Island, where they start their spring migration north and north-west across Baffin Bay to the waters of the high Arctic Canadian archipelago. Figure 4.18 presents bowhead whale locations in 2009 and demonstrates their migration from south of Disko Island into Canadian waters. The stock in Greenland’s waters is believed to be about 1,230 individuals (5), which is due to previous heavy exploitation and slow recovery. Bowhead whales are specialised copepod feeders that exploit the high concentrations of Calanus sp. in the west coast waters. It is suspected that Greenland’s west coast waters are an important foraging ground for pregnant or resting female bowhead whales from the whole Canada-Greenland population (6). They are listed within CITES Appendix I (7).


activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (2) International Whaling commision Website http://iwcoffice.org/conservation/estimate.htm. Accessed May 2010. (3) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon

activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (4) Boertmann, D., Mosbech, A., Schiedek, D. and Johansen, K. (2009)

The Eastern Baffin Bay A preliminary strategic environmental impact assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the KANUMAS West area. NERI Technical Report no. 720. (5) International Whaling commision Website http://iwcoffice.org/conservation/estimate.htm. Accessed May 2010. (6) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon

activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (7) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (1973) Full text and appendices

available from http://www.cites.org/.

EE

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E

E

Aasiaat

Qeqertaq

Sisimiut

Upernavik

Uummannaq

Ilulissat

Kangerlussuaq

Paamiut (Frederikshåb)



DATE: 28/06/2010

DRAWN: CJ

CHECKED: RB

APPROVED: JP

PROJECT: 0108885



Bowhead Whale Summer Migration Route, Locations by Month and Wintering Grounds

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Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)

Minke whales are a baleen species that occur along Greenland’s entire west coast during the summer and autumn, however, they are most abundant in the southwest (1). An estimated 10,800 minke whales can be found around Greenland’s west coast during the summer. They are found in both coastal waters and along the banks to the south and west of Disko Island. They winter in warmer more southern waters. Minke whales feed on a wide range of prey species including krill and small schooling fish (2). Minke whale hunting in Greenland is regulated by quota and is considered an aboriginal/subsistence catch. They are listed in CITES Appendix II. Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

Humpback whales are large baleen whales that occur around banks and along the coast in western Greenland between Paamiut and Sisimiut from June to November (3). There are an estimated 1,000 humpback whales in western Greenland. They are a migratory species, spending the winter in temperate and tropical waters where they give birth and mate, returning to mid and high latitude feeding grounds in the summer. Humpback whales feed on a range of small schooling fish and krill (4). They are listed in CITES Appendix I. Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

Fin whales are found from Nunap Isua to Upernavik on both banks and in coastal regions (5). The fin whale is a large baleen whale with a worldwide distribution. They are a migratory species, spending the winter at lower latitudes where they breed and mate and spend the summer months feeding in polar waters. Non breeding animals may spend the winter at higher latitudes rather than migrating to warmer waters. Fin whales feed primarily on krill in polar waters, but will also take small schooling fish such as herring. Fin whale hunting in Greenland is regulated by quota and is considered to be an aboriginal/subsistence catch. They are listed in CITES Appendix I. Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus)

Blue whales are the largest whale in the world. They are rare but regular visitors to western Greenland as far north as Uummannaq (6). They are a migratory species, wintering and calving at low latitudes and spending the


Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (2) Boertmann, D., Mosbech, A., Schiedek, D. and Johansen, K. (2009) A preliminary strategic environmental impact

assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the KANUMAS West area. National Environmental Research Institute. NERI Technical Report no. 720. (3) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55,


assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the KANUMAS West area. National Environmental Research Institute. NERI Technical Report no. 720. (5) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55, Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (6) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55, Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp.


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summer in polar feeding grounds. They feed exclusively on crustaceans and other planktonic organisms with krill constituting the largest part of their diet. Blue whales are listed on CITES Appendix I. Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)

Harbour porpoise are common along the whole west coast of Greenland from April to November (1). They inhabit the more open water areas of the Baffin Strait as well as coastal areas and around Disko Bay. During the winter they migrate to more southern waters (2). Harbour porpoise feed on fish in the upper water column. Bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus)

The bottlenose whale is a frequent visitor to western Greenland between June and August (3). Winters are spent in warmer more southern water. They are a deep water species, often seaward of the continental shelf near to deep submarine features such as subsea canyons or seamounts. They develop family groups of 4-20 animals, which may be formed depending on sex or age. Bottlenose whales are toothed whales that feed primarily on squid, but prey may also include fish and invertebrates. Long-finned pilot whale (Globicephalus melas)

Long-finned pilot whales are regular visitors along Greenland’s west coast from June to October (4). The occurrence of this species in western Greenland fluctuates but is thought to be correlated with influxes of relatively warm Atlantic water to the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay (5). In 2009 an observation of 40 individuals was made in western Greenland, which together with other observations indicate that 2009 was a good year for long-finned pilot whales. Previously they have been sited as far north as Qeqertarsuaq. Long-finned pilot whales are medium sized toothed whales. They are generally a species found on the continental shelf. They tend to avoid ice covered waters, although will come in closer to land during the summer. Their main food source is cephalopods. Killer whale (Orcinus orca)

Killer whales are rare but regular visitors to western Greenland as far north as Qaanaq (6). They occur in open and coastal waters in the area from June to August. Killer whales are apex predators which are widespread across all

(1) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (2) Møller, H. S., Potter, S., Andreasen, C., Berglund, J. & Myrup, M. (2004). Environmental Oil Spill Sensitivity Atlas for the West Greenland (68º-72º N) Coastal Zone. NERI Technical Report no. 494, 442 pp. (3) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (4) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (5)NERI (2010) Marine Mammals in the Disko West Area. A Knowledge Update Report for Capricorn Exploration-1. (6) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon



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oceans of the world. Killer whales generally feed on fish and cephalopods but are also known to take birds and marine mammals, including other whale species (1). Beluga whale (white whale) (Delphinapterus laucas)

Beluga whales are abundant on the banks of western Greenland from November until May (2). They number at about 8,000 individuals. Although information on beluga whale migration patterns in West Greenland is limited, it is known that in the spring beluga whales begin their migration away from Greenland, crossing the Baffin Bay and arriving in northern Canada (3). They can be found along the ice edge in western Greenland in spring and in the open water until autumn, when they arrive in Canada. During the winter when the beluga whales are located in western Greenland, they can be found in shallow water and coastal areas (see Figure 4.19). Beluga whales are expected to obtain the major part of their annual food intake in West Greenland in winter, feeding on fish, such as cod, squid and shrimp (4) . They are listed on CITES Appendix II. Narwhal (Monodon monoceros)

Narwhals, which reach 3,000 in number, are present in western Greenland from November until May (5). They conduct yearly migrations and in winter can be found under dense pack ice in the central Davis Strait and southern Baffin Bay (6). During the spring they occur along the coast of West Greenland and can be found in the shallow coastal waters around Inglefield Breeding in Avanersuaq and Melleville Bay in the summer. In the autumn narwhals can be found as far north as Upernavik and Uummannaq. Summer aggregation areas and general range are presented in Figure 4.20. They are toothed whales that feed primarily on Greenland halibut and occasionally on other fish, shrimp and squid. The majority of young appear to be born in the July in deep bays and inlets. The narwhal is listed in CITES Appendix II.


Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (2) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (3) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55, Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (4) Boertmann, D., Mosbech, A., Schiedek, D. and Johansen, K. (2009) A preliminary strategic environmental impact assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the KANUMAS West area. National Environmental Research Institute. NERI

Technical Report no. 720. (5) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon

activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (6) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55,


EE

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Qeqertaq

Sisimiut

Nunatsiaq

Upernavik

Uummannaq

Ilulissat

Kangerlussuaq

Grønne Ejland

Qerqertarsuaq



DATE: 28/06/2010

DRAWN: CJ

CHECKED: RB

APPROVED: JP

PROJECT: 0108885



Beluga Wintering Ground

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EE

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Aasiaat

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Sisimiut

Nunatsiaq

Upernavik

Uummannaq

Ilulissat

Kangerlussuaq

Grønne Ejland

Qerqertarsuaq



DATE: 28/06/2010

DRAWN: CJ

CHECKED: RB

APPROVED: JP

PROJECT: 0108885



Narwhal General Range and Summer Aggregation Areas

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Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)

Sperm whales are rare but regular visitors to the deep water along Greenland’s west coast between May and November (1). They are generally restricted to deep waters, seaward of continental shelves and often near to deep water canyons. Females and young remain further south in the North Atlantic, whilst males tend to migrate to higher latitudes once they reach puberty (2). Males then tend to stay at these higher latitudes, feeding and increasing in size until they are sufficiently large to migrate back to lower latitudes to attempt to breed. The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale and predominantly feeds on squid. They are listed in CITES Appendix I. Harp seals (Phoca groenlandica)

Harp seals are the most numerous marine mammal found in western Greenland with an estimated 5.4 million individuals (3). Harp seals are migrant seals that occur between June and October in ice free water to feed on fish such as herring, cod and capelin, as well as crabs and other invertebrates. Harp seals give birth on pack ice around Jan Mayen in the Greenland Sea between March and April (4). Moulting occurs in late April in the same region as pupping and once finished the seals disperse along the coasts northward to Qaanaaq in western Greenland. In late October harp seals leave the northern regions and return to breeding sites. Hooded seals (Cystophora cristata)

Like the harp seal, the hooded seal is a migrant species that breeds on pack ice on the west and east coasts of Greenland then migrates northwards to feed (5). They are a numerous species in western Greenland, although no estimates to population size have recently been made. Whelping takes place in the middle of the Davis Strait in late March to early April when the seals from the Davis Strait population disperse into the open waters and ice drift in West Greenland and Arctic Canada (6). Moulting occurs on pack ice from June to July in either Jan Mayen or the Denmark Strait after which they can be found across large parts of the northern Atlantic. Adults usually feed on large fish such as Greenland halibut, while the young eat smaller fish species such as capelin and polar cod.



Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (3) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon


Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (5) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55,

Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (6) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55,



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Ringed seals (Phoca hispida)

The ringed seal is a common species along all of Greenland’s coasts throughout the whole year (1). They are usually found in association with sea ice and are the only species that stays on the ice all year round (but may haul out on land if ice is not available). Although landfast ice is preferred breeding occurs successfully on stable pack ice in Baffin Bay and the Greenland Sea. They maintain breathing holes in winter ice over two metres deep using their foreclaws and teeth (2). The seals form lairs in snowdrifts over their breathing holes and give birth there in late March or April. The lair forms a warm environment for the pups to reduce its energy requirements to keep warm. Breeding takes place in April to May. The adults feed on pelagic fish species such as polar cod or capelin and invertebrates. Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina)

Harbour seals are rare in Greenland waters but can be found in western Greenland year round near the coast south of Avanersuaq (3). Regular sightings of harbour seal occur in south western Greenland in the Kangerlussuaq fjord (4). Harbour seals use coastal haul-out sites during the summer (late May to August) to give birth, nurse their pups and moult. During this time, they are vulnerable to hunters. Harbour seals feed on a broad range of pelagic prey. Bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus)

Bearded seals are common winter visitors to western Greenland though they are not abundant and usually occur singly (5). They can be found on drift ice over the fishing banks. Access to open water is through ‘leads’ (6) and when the ice stays relatively thin they are able to maintain breathing holes. Mating and whelping both occur on the drift ice or near the ice edge in early spring (7). Bearded seals feed on invertebrates and some fish. They usually hunt for invertebrates in waters down to 100 m deep. Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus)

There are two populations of walrus on the west coast of Greenland: the north water population and the west Greenland population with population


Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (2) NAMMCO, 2002. The Ringed Seal. Status of Marine Mammals in the North Atlantic. North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission. 35 pp. (3) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55, Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (4) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (5) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55, Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (6) Formed when drift ice cracks. (7) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon



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estimates of 2,676 and 2,978 animals respectively (1). The west Greenland population, which occurs in the vicinity of the licence area, is present in the winter, are found on the edge of the Baffin Bay pack ice and haul out on land at the South-eastern Baffin Island archipelago. The North water population is found in winter around the North Water polynya in western Greenland. Walrus winter distribution can be seen in Figure 4.21. Walruses in western Greenland are confined to a restricted habitat, where they concentrate to breed and feed. Historically, walruses used haul-out sites along the west and east coast of Greenland, however, now only two sites on the east coast remain. Walruses can live for up to 40 years but have a low reproductive rate (2). They mate from January to April in the water. The calves are born between late April and early June on land or on the pack ice. Calves are then nursed in the water but may also be found on land or on the ice. Walruses have a narrow food niche and feed mainly on bivalves from pebble seabeds in waters less than 80 m deep. When forced to deeper water older males will also prey on seals (3). The walrus is listed in CITES Appendix III.

(1) Boertmann, D. & Dietz, R. (2009) The West Greenland walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) distribution & abundance –

Presentation material. NERI.. (2) NAMMCO (2004) The Atlantic Walrus, Status of Marine Mammals in the North Atlantic. North Atlantic Marine

Mammal Commission. 7 pp. (3) NAMMCO (2004) The Atlantic Walrus, Status of Marine Mammals in the North Atlantic. North Atlantic Marine

Mammal Commission. 7 pp.

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Sisimiut

Nunatsiaq

Upernavik

Uummannaq

Ilulissat

Kangerlussuaq

Grønne EjlandQerqertarsuaq



DATE: 28/06/2010

DRAWN: CJ

CHECKED: RB

APPROVED: JP

PROJECT: 0108885



Walrus Winter Distribution Areas

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Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus)

There are three polar bear populations located in western Greenland, but only the range of the Baffin Bay population is within the vicinity of the licence area, however, their exact distribution is largely determined by the distribution of pack ice (1). Polar bears are mainly observed in western Greenland in winter when sea ice is present although bears that follow the movement of the ice may be present from autumn to spring; they occur along the ice edge and on drift ice (2). The Baffin Bay population is estimated to contain approximately 2,000 bears (3). Figure 4.22 shows the home range of polar bears as they follow the movement of ice. Compared to the surround area, the Sigguk block contains a relatively low home range percent of polar bears in all seasons. In April and May polar bears congregate on pack ice in order to mate. The fertilised egg in the pregnant female then remains dormant for four months while the female gains a large volume of weight, often doubling in size. In autumn and early winter the pregnant female digs a breeding den and cubs are born in the winter, usually between November and February. The mother and cubs remain in the den until mid-February to mid-April. In the summer polar bears moult their fur which can take several weeks. Polar bears feed primarily on ringed and bearded seals but will occasionally hunt harp seals, hooded seals, walrus pups, beluga and narwhal (4). They also take marine birds and scavenge on the occasional whale carcass (5). Polar bears are listed on CITES Appendix II.

(1) Jensen, DB (Translated by Darden, SK) (2003) The Biodiversity if Greenland - a country study, Technical Report No. 55, Published by Pinngortitaleriffik, Gronlands Naturinstitut. (2) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the Disko West area. NERI Technical Report No. 618, 192pp. (3) Hjarsen, T. (2005) The Big Four - a WWF update on Greenland’s efforts with regard to species conservation and nature protection, Published by WWF Denmark. (4) IUCN/SSC Polar Bear Specialist Group. Accessed 2009. Available from http://pbsg.npolar.no/ (5) Hjarsen, T. (2005) The Big Four - a WWF update on Greenland’s efforts with regard to species conservation and nature

protection, Published by WWF Denmark.

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Figure 4.22Polar Bear Home Range Percent

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ERMEaton HouseWallbrook CourtNorth Hinksey LaneOxford OX2 0QSTelephone: 01865 384800Facsimile: 01865 204982




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4.2.7 Important Habitats

Important Habitats for Benthic Invertebrates

The benthic communities found at theT3 and T4 well locations were generally similar, although some subtle changes in the habitat due to exposure to ice modification, underlying geology and sedimentation rates meant that these two communities are statistically distinct based on the samples retrieved. No protected or particularly sensitive habitats were found (eg coral reefs or cold water species). Species abundance was comparable or higher than other studies in western Baffin Bay or southern Davis Strait but was lower for comparable depth ranges and had similar abundances to those studies conducted in deeper waters. The diversity of benthic animals was also higher than those recorded in previously survey years or the southern Davis Strait. No specific important habitats for benthic invertebrates were therefore identified from the environmental survey results. Important Habitats for Birds

Within the assessment area there are particular habitats which play an important role in supporting bird species. As the majority of birds are only present during the breeding season, these habitats are generally areas which support breeding birds. Polynyas that do not freeze over are especially important as these areas are capable of supporting some species all year round. Polynyas are important during the breeding season as they are able to support some of the first birds returning to breeding areas, providing valuable foraging areas. Leads that form as the ice breaks up provide valuable foraging habitat, enabling birds to forage nearer to breeding colonies. The marginal ice zone where the leads form is likely to be an important habitat for migrating seabirds in the spring. Some species undertake a swimming migration after breeding, spending a relatively long time in coastal waters (such as Brünnich’s guillemot), whilst other species rapidly fly through the assessment area. Fjords and sounds are important as they often provide important nesting habitats close to the coast where large breeding colonies can form. Islands also often provide important habitat for breeding colonies (1). Birds at nesting colonies can be extremely sensitive to disturbance by humans. Birds within cliff colonies usually respond by deserting their eggs, even if only slightly agitated (2). It is illegal to shoot or disturb bird colonies (3) between the 15th of April and the 15th of September within 1 km if the colony includes thick-billed murres, Atlantic guillemots, razorbills, king eider, northern fulmar or great cormorants or to operate fixed wing aircrafts and helicopters within

(1) Boertmann D, Mosbech A and Johansen K (2008) Preliminary Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the KANUMAS East Assessment area. (2) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55, Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp. (3) In this case a colony refers to more than 10 pairs of breeding birds.


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3 km of colonies of these bird species (1). In addition, within the same time period it is also illegal to shoot or disturb colonies within 200 m if the colony is an island or peninsular inhabited by eider, black guillemot, little tern or gulls. Some birds are vulnerable for 3-4 weeks during the moulting season when they are unable to fly (2). Birds such as the common and king eiders gather in fjords and bays within 100 km of the breeding site to moult then migrate to wintering areas in the coastal waters south of Disko Bay (3). Fjords and bays give the birds some protection from predators and provide good foraging areas. The thick-billed murre generally migrates from its breeding colony in Ritenbenk at the end of July to open water west of Disko Island in the following weeks, including the wing moult period (4). Males with chicks undertake their swimming migration by following the northern route to open water. Little auks migrate southwards through Baffin Bay towards wintering grounds off Newfoundland and south west Greenland from the end of August (5). During their migration adult birds perform their moult and become flightless for several weeks. There are also a number of important bird areas (IBAs) (see Figure 4.24) in western Greenland, which are important habitats for birds. Important Habitats for Fish

The marine environment near the coast is an important habitat for fish. Coastal area and fjords provide shelter for spawning and maturation for species such as capelin and lumpfish. Arctic char also stay close to the coast during their migration out to sea. The ice edge is an important area for capelin (6). Capelin follow the retreat of the ice edge to exploit the abundance of zooplankton that follows the phytoplankton bloom that occurs there. Larger fish, whales and seals are known to follow the capelin to the ice edge. Important Habitats for Mammals

The main habitats for marine mammals in western Greenland can be found in Table 4.23. Areas where the assessment area is of high importance to a marine mammal could be considered an important habitat, especially if the species is threatened, endangered or protected. For example, the marginal ice zone is an important habitat for the bowhead whale between February and June and

(1) Home Rule Order No. 8 of the second March 2009 Concerning the Protection and Hunting of Birds. Available from http://dk.nanoq.g. Accessed 02/06/2010.



assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the KANUMAS West area. National Environmental Research Institute. NERI Technical Report no. 720. (4) Mosbech, A., Merkel, F., Boertmann, D., Falk, K., Frederiksen, M., Johansen, K. and Sonne, C. (2009) Thick-billed murre studies in Disko Bay (Ritenbenk), West Greenland. NERI Technical Report no. 749. (5) Boertmann, D., Mosbech, A., Schiedek, D. and Johansen, K. (2009) A preliminary strategic environmental impact assessment of hydrocarbon activities in the KANUMAS West area. National Environmental Research Institute. NERI

Technical Report no. 720. (6) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55,



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coastal areas are important for harbour seals to haul out in summer, give birth, nurse their young and shed their fur (1). Migration routes can also be considered important areas for marine mammals.

4.2.8 Valued Ecosystem Components

A valued ecosystem component is a resource or environmental feature that is important to a local human population both economically and scientifically, has a national or international profile or is important for the evaluation of environmental impacts. Western Greenland has several valued ecosystem components, which have been covered by sections in either the EIA or SIA. A summary table of VECs in Western Greenland together with where they have been covered can be found in Table 4.24.

Table 4.24 Valued Ecosystem Components Summary Table

EIA Section

Baseline Section Clim

ate

Win

d

Noi

se

Air

Qua

lity

Sea

bed

Inte

grity

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anog

raph

y

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es a

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urre

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es

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ture

and

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inity

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Ice

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ynya

s

Ice

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gs

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stal

Zon

e

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er Q

ualit

y

Sed

imen

t Q

ualit

y

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mar

y P

rodu

ctio

n (P

lank

ton

and

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roph

yte

Spe

cies

)

Zoo

plan

kton

Spe

cies

Ben

thic

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erte

brat

e S

peci

es

Fis

h S

peci

es

Sea

bird

Spe

cies

Mar

ine

Mam

ma

l Spe

cies

Hab

itats

Env

ironm

enta

lly S

ensi

tive

and

Des

igna

ted

Are

as

Arc

haeo

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Fis

herie

s

Tra

ditio

nal A

ctiv

ities

Inf

rast

ruct

ure

6.1.1 Climate 6.1.2 Wind 6.1.3 Bathymetry 6.1.4 Seabed 6.1.5 Oceanography 6.1.6 Ice Conditions 6.1.7 Coastal Zone 6.1.8 Chemistry 6.2.1 Primary Production 6.2.2 Zooplankton 6.2.3 Invertebrates 6.2.4 Fish 6.2.5 Seabirds 6.2.6 Mammals 6.2.7 Important Habitats 6.2.8 VECs

6.2.9 Other Biological Features

6.4.1 Threatened Species / Species of Concern 6.4.2 NGO Designated Areas Environmental Impact Section Social Impact Assessment

Cultural Social and Economic

Valued Ecosystem Component

BiologicalPhysical

4.2.9 Other Biological Features

Biological features have been described in the biological baseline chapters of the EIA. Physical features have been described in the physical baseline chapters of the EIA. Socio-economic features have been described within the accompanying Social Impact Assessment report.

(1) Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (2003) Biodiversity of Greenland - a country study. Technical Report No. 55, Pinngortitaleriffik, Grønlands Naturinstitut, 165 pp.


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4.3 RESOURCE USE

Details of commercial fisheries, subsistence and recreational fisheries and hunting and shipping in the area are discussed within the Social Impact Assessment.

4.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

The Social Impact Assessment will provide descriptions of the human communities, cultural heritage, employment and socioeconomic systems, tourism and sustainability of renewable resources. As such, these topics are not discussed within this EIA.

4.5 PROTECTED AREAS AND THREATENED SPECIES

4.5.1 Threatened Species and Species of Concern

Threatened Species

There are three species of fish that occur in western Greenland that appear as ‘Vulnerable’ or ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN red list; Atlantic cod and Thorny skate are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ and the Greenland shark is listed as ‘Near Threatened’. A number of other species are placed in the category of ’Least Concern’; these are Arctic skate, three-spined stickleback, Atlantic salmon, Arctic char and common grenadier. All bird species discussed in Section 4.2.5 are listed as of Least Concern on the IUCN red list, except for the ivory gull which is listed as Near Threatened. However, Greenland’s red list places a number of these species in a higher category. On Greenland’s red list, the common eider, thick-billed murre and ivory gull are listed as Vulnerable; the arctic tern, Atlantic puffin and Sabine’s gull are listed as Near Threatened; and the black-legged kittiwake is listed as Endangered. The king eider has not been evaluated. Some of western Greenland’s marine mammals appear on the IUCN red list, Greenland’s red list and on the CITES Appendices. A summary of this can be found in Table 4.25. CITES Appendix I lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals (1). Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled. Appendix III is a list of species included at the request of a Party that already regulates trade in the species and that needs the cooperation of other countries to prevent unsustainable or illegal exploitation.

(1) <http://www.cites.org/eng/app/index.shtml> Accessed 22/01/2010.


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Table 4.25 Protected Species of Marine Mammal in Western Greenland

Species CITES Appendix IUCN Red List Greenland Red List I II III Bowhead whale Least Concern Near threatened Minke whale Least Concern Least concern Humpback whale Least Concern Least concern Fin Whale Endangered Least concern Blue whale Endangered Data deficient Harbour porpoise Least Concern Data deficient Bottlenose whale Data deficient Not evaluated Pilot whale Data deficient Least concern Killer whale Data deficient Not evaluated Beluga whale Near Threatened Critical endangered Narwhal Near Threatened Critical endangered Sperm whale Vulnerable Not evaluated Harp seal Least Concern Least concern Hooded seal Vulnerable Least concern Ringed seal Least Concern Least concern Harbour seal Least Concern Critical endangered Bearded seal Least Concern Data deficient Walrus Data deficient Endangered Polar bear Vulnerable Vulnerable

Protected Areas

Figure 4.23 shows the legally protected areas in western Greenland. Greenland has included 11 sites in the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites) since 1988 (1). Of these six are found along the west coast of Greenland in the vicinity of the licence area. Together they have a total area of 804,470 ha and range from approximately 5,000 ha to 580,000 ha. In 2004 Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord was included into the UNESCO list of World heritage Sites (2). Before inclusion it was protected according the national Nature Protection Law. It is located 250 km north of the Arctic Circle within the inner part of Disko Bay. According to the Greenland Nature Protection Law several areas within the assessment area are nature reserves (3). The Bird Protection Law also designates bird protection areas, where breeding colonies are protected and access is prohibited in the breeding season.

4.5.2 NGO Designated Areas

BirdLife International, an international bird protection organisation, has designated a number of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in western Greenland, some of which lie along the coast within the vicinity of the licence area (see Figure 4.24). They have been designated where a significant proportion of the Greenland bird populations may occur during the year or where species in

(1) <http://www.ramsar.org/> Accessed 22/01/2010. (2) <http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1149> Accessed 22/01/2010. (3) Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. and Jespersen, M. (2007) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of hydrocarbon



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need of protection occur (1). Some of Greenland’s designated IBAs are included in or protected by the national regulations, particularly the Bird Protection Law passed in 2004. Designated Nature and Bird Protection Areas can be seen in Figure 4.25.

(1) <http://www.birdlife.org/> Accessed 22/01/2010.

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