Ecological state of the Gulf of Ob is being researched in Yamal

The research expedition within the complex program on monitoring of ecological state of the Gulf of Ob in the zone of influence of the project “Yamal LNG” will start its work in Yamal in July-September. The company “Yamal LNG” organized it jointly with Lomonosov Moscow State University Marine Research Center. This initiative of the company was discussed by the participants of the conference in the Ministry of natural resources of Russia. They appreciated the basic principle of the company “Yamal LNG” in the sphere of environmental protection — open and accessible dialogue with all interested sides. In order to organize research work on assessment of state of ecological safety of the Ob River and its hydrological regime the representatives of the company — subsoil user operating in Yamal are participating in the working group on ecological aspects of building of the Sabetta seaport in the Gulf of Ob.

Alexander Mazharov, a deputy governor, the director of the department of external relations of Yamal, presented experience of constructive cooperation between the government of the Autonomous Okrug and the company “Yamal LNG” based on observation of the strictest environmental rules, consideration of rights and interests of indigenous ethnic minorities of the North.

“Activity of the company “Yamal LNG” is certainly one of the most technologically advanced and convincing examples of ecologically-focused business”, he said.

As it should be reminded, in 2016 the government of the region and the company “Yamal LNG” signed the agreement on cooperation in the sphere of science and development of innovative activity. The program on scientific projects and activities was adopted. Population of polar bears, arctic foxes, lemmings, red book birds are constantly monitored, the network of scientific stations is supported and developed. Potential of the scientific station on the area of the settlement Sabetta, which is the supporting point of the project “Yamal LNG”, is developing. During the scientific field seasons Yamal biologists and ecologists together with researchers from other countries received important data on nesting sites of birds and their migration routes. In 2017 the ecological testing ground was laid in Sabetta for conducting of the whole range of studies to assess state of the environment and influence on the native environment of indigenous northerners. Work is carried out on the wide range of studies – landscape, soil, vegetation, water bodies. In July 2019 within the agreement with the company “Yamal LNG” scientists of the scientific center for study of the Arctic will conduct researches and will give the assessment to effectiveness of reclamation operations.

Largely due to the campaign on ecological rehabilitation of arctic territories of Russia, which is carried out by the company “Yamal LNG”, the territory of Beliy Island was cleaned, work on liquidation of ecological damage on Vilkitsky Island in the Kara Sea is being conducted. According to the regional department of external relations, the seismic monitoring network is being created in Yamal with support of the company; the only fish-farming plant in the Arctic on the Sob River was built with participation of companies included in the structure of NOVATEK.

Alexander Mazharov underlines that the results of the planned comprehensive research are extremely important for the Autonomous Okrug, as they will allow identifying possible factors that lead to reduction of populations of valuable fish species and also allow taking necessary preventive measures to minimize the negative influence of economic activity on ecosystems. On behalf of the regional government Alexander Mazharov expressed full support to the project of the company “Yamal LNG” on scientific study of the Gulf of Ob, which is part of the unified joint program on studying and monitoring of state of the environment in Yamal.