Researchers from the Knipovich Polar Research Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanography (PINRO) have recently completed comprehensive investigations on aquatic conditions around the Prirazlomnaya platform (located in the Pechora Sea) — part of yearly investigations undertaken by Gazprom Neft. Researchers’ reports indicate that key hydrological and hydro-chemical indicators on the status of the aquatic environment around the field, including visibility and salinity, as well as oxygen and hydrogen levels, and the presence of inorganic phosphorus and other elements, are consistent with natural status. Ecological monitoring at the Prirazlomnoye field (covering an area of 744 square kilometres), has been initiated by Gazpromneft-Shelf LLC, and is being undertaken by FREKOM, a company specialising in ecological and industrial safety, with a number of leading specialist research institutions also being engaged in its research. Researchers also examined the shores of the Vaigach, Dolgy and Matveev islands, as well as the mainland coast of the Pechora Sea, the traditional breeding grounds of the Atlantic walrus, listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (a state document established for documenting rare and endangered species). Recentresults show no major fluctuations in the migration and distribution of walruses at the Pechora Sea following the commencement of oil production on the Arctic Shelf. General Director of FREKOM, Valentin Minasyan, commented: “All key indicators are consistent with natural status, and the presence of pollutants was found to be considerably lower than levels permitted under commercial fishing standards, ...
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