Human activities influences nature and environment. Through baseline surveys, and regular monitoring during implementation, the degree and extent of this influence is documented. Should the monitoring reveal unacceptable impacts, the owner/operator may be enforced to implement amending measures or termination of the activity.
Akvaplan-niva designs monitoring programmes extending from pre-activity baseline mapping to regular surveys documenting extent, duration and degree of influence for the actual project. We also provide data to national and international Arctic monitoring programs like AMAP. We perform research to identify substances and components deserving restrictions in application and/or discharge. In our environmental monitoring projects, we use biological diversity in benthic macrofaunal communities as a strong, recognised and robust indicator. Akvaplan-niva also plays a key role in developing new techniques for example visual monitoring of sensitive habitats, and the use of environmental DNA.Video: Akvaplan-niva on offshore survey…