NES

• Latitude: 65.7076
• Longitude: 11.9373
• Norwegian Coast
• Marina in Norway

Location: Norway

Certainly! Here's an overview of what a Marina Nearshore Environmental Survey (NES) in Norway might typically entail. Note that I am providing a general description and specification based on common practices and regulatory expectations as of my last knowledge update in 2023. Specific requirements and methodologies may vary based on current regulations and site-specific conditions.

Description:

A Marina Nearshore Environmental Survey (NES) in Norway is an investigative process carried out to assess the environmental condition and impact of a marina and its surrounding nearshore areas. This type of survey aims to ensure that marina operations are sustainable and comply with environmental laws and local regulations. The survey typically includes assessments of water quality, sediment composition, marine flora and fauna, and potential pollution sources.

Objectives:

1. Evaluate Water Quality: To ascertain the levels of various chemical and physical parameters in the water.
2. Assess Sediment Conditions: To check for contamination and understand the sedimentary environment.
3. Biodiversity Assessment: To catalog the marine and coastal species and their habitats.
4. Environmental Impact Analysis: To determine the impact of marina operations on the environment.
5. Regulatory Compliance: To ensure all marina activities are compliant with local, national, and international environmental regulations.

Components of the Survey:

1. Water Quality Monitoring:

   • Parameters Measured: Temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus compounds), heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and microbiological parameters (e.g., coliform bacteria).
   • Methods: In-situ measurements with probes and sensors, and laboratory analysis of collected samples.

2. Sediment Analysis:

   • Parameters Measured: Grain size distribution, organic content, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants.
   • Methods: Sediment core sampling, grab sampling, sieve analysis, chemical testing in labs.

3. Biological Surveys:

   • Flora and Fauna: Identification and quantification of marine organisms, including benthic invertebrates, fish populations, and seaweed/kelp beds.
   • Methods: Direct observations, underwater photography and videography, sampling using nets and traps, and possibly diver surveys.

4. Habitat Mapping:

   • Focus: Mapping different habitats within the marina and adjacent areas.
   • Methods: GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping, remote sensing, sonar mapping, and site-specific surveys.

5. Pollution Source Identification:

   • Focus: Determining both point and non-point sources of pollution.
   • Methods: Visual inspections, stakeholder interviews, and review of historical data and industrial activities.

6. Ecological Risk Assessment:

   • Purpose: To evaluate the potential risks posed by environmental pollutants to human health and local ecosystems.
   • Methods: Data modeling, comparison with environmental quality standards, and risk assessment frameworks.

Specification:

1. Frequency:

   • Ongoing monitoring programs are often annual, but initial baseline studies might be more intensive.

2. Standards and Guidelines:

   • Surveys must align with guidelines from the Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet), Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket), and relevant international bodies like OSPAR (Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic).

3. Reporting:

   • Comprehensive report with findings, data analyses, visual representations (charts, maps), and recommendations for mitigating any negative impacts. The report must be submitted to relevant regulatory authorities and possibly made publicly accessible for transparency.

Conclusion:

Conducting a Marina NES in Norway is crucial for ensuring that marina operations are conducted sustainably and with minimal harm to coastal and marine environments. The comprehensive nature of the survey helps in the effective management and conservation of nearshore ecosystems, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards.

For the latest and site-specific requirements, consulting local environmental guidelines and agencies is highly recommended.