Post-incident monitoring and impact assessment
Cefas designs and co-ordinates monitoring programmes following
oil spills and other at-sea incidents.
In many cases monitoring requires integrated chemical analyses
and toxicity testing, which can be conducted in our laboratories or
on site using our research vessel, the Cefas
Endeavour.
Predictive modelling and risk assessment
Our scientists have considerable computer modelling capability
and are working with world leaders in the spill-modelling field to
improve our ability to predict chemical and oil effects and
shipping mishaps.
In particular, we will link modelling with specific ecotoxicological
assessments to improve impact predictions. As well as predicting
the movement of chemicals and oil, we can model the movement of
floating items like containers and timber.
Response options and product assessment
The effect of spills, especially oil, can be mitigated by the
prompt and appropriate use of oil-spill treatment products such as
dispersants and sorbents.
At Cefas, we are the primary providers of scientific expertise
on the environmentally friendly application of treatment products
in the marine environment. We are also responsible for the
development of toxicity-testing procedures, for the statutory
testing and approval of products used in UK waters.
Integration and co-ordination
We are committed to working with others to ensure a more
co-ordinated use of science across Europe, as demonstrated by our
strong links with the European
Maritime Safety Agency.
Nationally, we lead and co-ordinate an ambitious project called
PREMIAM (Pollution Response in
Emergencies - Marine Impact Assessment and Monitoring).
This expertise and service network, funded by Defra, involves
many emergency response governmental stakeholders.
The project has established, for the first time, expert UK
guidelines for post-incident monitoring and impact assessment,
and a fully co-ordinated and integrated mechanism for overseeing
the practical aspects of such a programme. For more
information about PREMIAM, contact premiam@cefas.co.uk.
For more about our range of integrated science and support
services, please contact
us.