Emergency response
The threat to our seas, estuaries and coastlines from chemical
contaminants comes from a wide range of potential sources. But
perhaps the largest threat - in terms of catastrophic release,
acute damage and the unpredictability of its occurrence
- comes from accidental spills of oil and
chemicals.
Cefas has a long and ongoing track record in the provision of
expert advice and services in the event of chemical and oil
releases into the marine environment.
This includes our 24/7 advice service (covering both
environmental and public health aspects), modelling, analytical
services and the design and conduct of impact assessment and
monitoring programmes.
Our expertise has been used after a number incidents,
including:
- Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Horizon incident
- Perintis and MSC Napoli container ships
- Sea Empress and Eleni V tankers
- Ice Prince and Sinegorsk cargo vessels
- Ekofisk Bravo oil well blow-out
- Ece and Ievoli Sun chemical product
tankers
We are also leading the way in associated R&D, and
integration and co-ordination projects. One such project is PREMIAM (Pollution
Response in Emergencies - Marine Impact Assessment and
Monitoring). This Defra-funded project is being co-ordinated
by Cefas experts and has wide support from emergency response
governmental stakeholders.
Our scientists also lend support to Interlab, which combines the
complementary skills and resources of over 9,000 UK scientists and
technologists to enhance the government's effectiveness on
strategic activities and projects. Interlab's collaborative
activities include:
- emergency response
- modelling and simulation
- detection, decontamination and remediation
- animal research facilities and telemetry.
The spread of aquatic animal diseases can have a profound effect
on fish farms and related business, and on our native populations
of fish and shellfish. The Fish Health Inspectorate has
been instrumental in tackling major aquatic disease outbreaks such
as VHS in trout, KHV in carp and oyster herpes virus in Pacific
oysters. They are experts in the the containment and eradication of
serious aquatic diseases, and offer full advice and support to
those affected.
Contact us
for more information about our work, or for specific
environmental advice.