Strategic Environmental Assessments for the Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area

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The Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) is responsible for petroleum resource management in the Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area on behalf of the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador. The C-NLOPB facilitates the exploration and development of petroleum resources in accordance with statutory provisions. The Board’s regulatory responsibilities include the administration and issuance of licences, authorizations and approvals. Since 2002 the C-NLOPB has been undertaking Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) in offshore areas that have not yet been subject to substantial levels of project-based environmental assessments, but where the issuance of Exploration Licences could be contemplated. The SEAs provide information on the environmental setting and environmental considerations that help to inform subsequent regulatory decisions regarding future offshore oil and gas activities in the area. Information from an SEA assists the C-NLOPB in determining whether exploration rights should be offered, as well as identifying any general restrictive or mitigative measures for application to future projects.