Russian Scientists Supported by Rosneft Complete First Stage of Survey into Atlantic Subspecies of Walrus in the Waters of Pechora Sea
Specialists of the Nenets Nature Reserve have launched an extensive field survey of a population of the Atlantic subspecies of walrus as a part of the biological indicator species monitoring programme implemented by Rosneft Oil Company. The first stage of the expedition activities took place on Matveyev Island in the waters of the Pechora Sea.
The island is located in the Nenets Nature Reserve zone of responsibility, has a status of the protected area, and is a place where a breeding ground of the Atlantic subspecies of walrus is formed every year. The specialists of the Nenets Nature Reserve have set up 13 autonomous photo recorders to monitor the diurnal activity of walruses; also, they have estimated the species composition and a number both on the breeding ground and the offshore area of the island visually. They recorded about 1,100 walruses on the breeding ground. The studies will be continued in the autumn, prior to the beginning of seasonal animal migration, to track their routes.
Rosneft delivers a special focus on environmental monitoring in the areas of its operation while arranging and performing its production activities. Protection of the environment is an integral part of the Company’s corporate culture. Rosneft is doing its utmost to ensure environmental protection, preservation, and restoration of natural resources.
Note for Editors:
The environmental activities of Rosneft Oil Company take on an interdisciplinary approach and comprehensive research by representatives of various branches of science—oceanology, geology, marine biology—as well as study the animal species being indicators of the state of the ecosystem.
In the Arctic region, the Company as the largest resource user on the Russian shelf conducts studies of polar bears in areas of prospective development of hydrocarbon deposits during the annual research expeditions Kara-Winter and Kara-Summer. The polar bear is one of the key indicators of the sustainability of the Arctic ecosystem.
Also, during its Arctic expeditions, Rosneft conducts an associated observation of marine mammals and birds of the northern seas.
The Company supports programmes to study and preserve populations of the Amur tiger, the wild reindeer in Evenkia, the Siberian sable, and the Atlantic subspecies of walrus.
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September 20, 2019