Harvesting fish and extracting oil and gas are both important ocean uses. These industries continue to operate and, in some areas, expand their efforts in a shared marine environment. Unfortunately, real and perceived incompatibilities between these two ocean uses may create conflict. This can lead to costly media battles or legal proceedings and exacerbated challenges in the future as the ocean becomes more crowded.

As a unique multi-industry ocean organization, the WOC can foster and facilitate improved communication and information exchange between the fishing and oil and gas industries. A neutral, shared industry forum can facilitate communication, knowledge sharing, improved understanding between these two important industries, and assist both sectors to focus on developing a cooperative working relationship. Improved knowledge of the technical, environmental and operational activities on the part of each industry can lead to reduced conflict and enhanced coexistence.

The SOS 2017 session on “Addressing Cross-Sectoral Conflicts and Developing Synergies: Oil and Gas and Fisheries” will address:
• What are the real and perceived conflicts between fisheries and the oil and gas industry?
• What science, experience, best practices and other information can help clarify the situation and improve the potential for cooperation and co-existence?
• What ongoing process for dialogue can best identify the issues, define the available or needed science and information and help resolve the problems associated with the interaction of these sectors?

Representatives from the oil and gas industry and the fishing industry, and organizations who have worked on the issues creating difficulties between these sectors, are invited to contact the WOC to bring their experience to this SOS 2017 session and get engaged as speakers or participants.

2017 World Ocean Council