KMRC » OILRISK news » work packages » partners » contact information » publications » feedback form » Links »   OILRISK-wiki »                   Disclaimer: The content of the web site reflects the authors views and the Managing Authority cannot be held liable for the information published by the project partners. OILRISK - Applications of ecological knowledge in managing oil spill risk Project's main objectives are to assess the risk of a possible oil spill to nature values and especially to endangered species in the Gulf of Finland and the Archipelago Sea and to investigate the possibilities to minimize the harmful effects to the environment by the means of offshore and onshore oil combating. In the event of an oil spill fast reactions are of utmost importance, therefore ecological knowledge and oil contingency plans based on that information need to be ready for use and up to date. Research will be done to find out which species of animals and plants are most vulnerable to an oil spill and where are those species situated in the Gulf of Finland. Based on the information gathered a web based map application will be created to combine the information on drifting oil slicks and sensitive nature values. The map will help oil combating personnel make concrete decisions on what kind of offshore oil combating measures support the protection of nature values and how the onshore combating should be arranged taking the nature values into consideration. Continuously growing risk for oil spills demands precautionary measures Rapid expansion of maritime traffic and oil transportation in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland also pose a growing risk for the environment. The Gulf of Finland being shallow and brackish water body with exceptional shoreline makes it extremely vulnerable to oil spills. A major oil spill in the Baltic Sea is a scenario nobody wants to come true. However, the risk does exist and several 'close call' situations have established an urgent need to develop oil contingency planning - at least at the same pace with the traffic growth. Funding The OILRISK project is funded by the European Union and the financing comes from the European Regional Development Fund, The Central Baltic INTERREG IV A Programme 2007-2013, the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of Southwest Finland, City of Kotka, City of Porvoo, Eastern Uusimaa Regional Emergency Services, University of Tartu, Regional Council of Päijät-Häme, and Centrum Balticum Foundation's Protection Fund for the Archipelago Sea. Project's cost estimate is 1 126 048 euros, and duration 1 December 2009 - 30 November 2012.