The Institute of Marine Research (HI) points out that there is still limited knowledge about the long-term consequences of CO2 storage, particularly the risk of leaks and the impact on ecosystems.
The Greensand Future project, which is located on the Danish continental shelf, will store CO2 at a location just kilometers from important bison areas in the south of Norway.
Tobis struggles with low recruitment and is vulnerable to changes in pH. This can be exacerbated by CO2 leaks. New research also shows that low oxygen levels can delay or stop egg development in toads.
More knowledge, mapping, and targeted methods are needed to secure the environment and reduce the risk of damage.
This is what HI writes in a consultation report to the Norwegian Environment Agency, commissioned by the Norwegian Business and Fisheries Directorate.
The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research's consultation response summarized:
- For a long time, Tobis has experienced low recruitment, which indicates an already vulnerable state of the ecosystem. Especially at Vikingbanken, early larval operation studies have pointed out that the field is dependent on self-recruitment, which makes it particularly vulnerable to external influences.
- The impact assessment should also focus on larval transport and spread in "corridors" that are controlled by the current pattern. The ocean currents follow topography (for example the “Norskerenna" and possible fronts between different water masses such as Atlantic water and coastal water).
- The investigation into the seismic surveys is not concrete enough. In the impact assessment, it is not stated exactly when the seismic is planned, but the advice from HI is to place these outside the spawning period of fish if they overlap with them or are located so close that the sound can affect the behavior of the fish during spawning.
- Furthermore, HI is concerned that monitoring projects relating to such facilities are initiated in general. In this knowledge assessment, a 5-year program is outlined, including mapping before commencement. In such monitoring, it is important to include relevant parameters on ocean acidification together with oxygen and nutrient salts. This is not described well enough in the impact assessment.
