Consultation on the habitats directive with regards to oil and gas activities, and SEA for an area to the west of the Shetland Islands (SEA 1)

The consultation sought views on Regulations (Offshore Petroleum Activities (Conservation of Habitats) Regulations) to protect environmental habitats in the context of offshore oil and gas licensing, as well as on a Strategic Environmental Assessment of an area proposed for licensing in the 19th seaward licensing Round. The consultation was in two parts.

• The first part sought views on the Government’s regulatory proposals for ensuring that oil and gas activities on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf are carried out in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) and, insofar as Articles 3 and 7 of the above Directive are concerned, the provisions that may be necessary to comply with the Wild Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC).
• The second part sought views on the environmental impact that oil and gas exploration and potential development might have on an area of the Atlantic Ocean to the west of the Shetland Islands