{"id":236,"date":"2026-03-05T08:54:43","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T08:54:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gov.fk\/mineralresources\/?page_id=236"},"modified":"2026-03-16T09:06:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T09:06:10","slug":"environment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.gov.fk\/mineralresources\/regulatory\/environment\/","title":{"rendered":"Environment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Home<\/a><\/span> \u00bb Regulatory<\/a><\/span> \u00bb Environment<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Environment<\/h1>\n\n\n
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Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The environment, and its protection from any possible adverse effects of commercial activities, is of prime concern to the Falkland Islands Government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several pieces of legislation have been enacted to protect the environment: these are modelled on UK laws. The Offshore Minerals Ordinance 1994 (as amended) and the Conservation of Wildlife and Nature Ordinance 1999 provide the basis for the environmental protection legislation. Further provisions ensuring the protection of the environment are contained in individual production licences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Climate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Islands are at about 52\u00b0S, and are therefore at a similar latitude south as London and Calgary are north. The climate of the Falkland Islands is similar to that of northeast Scotland, and exploration activity can take place for most if not all of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Climatic Impacts on Exploration Activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Seismic surveys conducted around the Islands since 1992 have tended to be acquired during the Austral summer months of December to April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, examination of the weather and seismic acquisition statistics demonstrates that exploration is possible for most of the year. The annual weather downtime for seismic activities is just 19%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Month<\/th>Total of seismic shot (2D km)<\/th>Average daily production (2D km)<\/th>Weather downtime (as % of time in production(1))<\/th>Seismic acquisition<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
January<\/td>5483.275<\/td>53.12<\/td>15.06<\/td>Good<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
February<\/td>2766.1<\/td>48.53<\/td>1.4<\/td>Good<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
March<\/td>3603.925<\/td>54.04<\/td>34.4<\/td>OK<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
April<\/td>2823.55<\/td>25.24<\/td>28.08<\/td>OK<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
May<\/td>1016.85<\/td>35.34<\/td>4.7<\/td>OK<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
June<\/td>585.1<\/td>21.74<\/td>64.4<\/td>Poor<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
July<\/td>816.35<\/td>26.33<\/td>63.4<\/td>Poor<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
August<\/td>366.164<\/td>10.93<\/td>90.0<\/td>Poor<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
September<\/td>1945.607<\/td>64.85<\/td>46.1<\/td>Poor<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
October<\/td>428.09<\/td>107.02<\/td>0(2)<\/td>Good<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
November<\/td>718.4<\/td>50.56<\/td>0<\/td>Good<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
December<\/td>4990.15<\/td>75.61<\/td>19.7<\/td>Good<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
1 – discount downtime due to mechanical failures 2 – small quantity data collected. Note:these statistics include data up to 2001 only.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Environmental Concerns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Falkland Islands contain some of the most beautiful, important and accessible seabird and marine mammal populations in the world, along with supporting a wide range of other flora and fauna. The biodiversity in these remote islands has allowed the economy to flourish through sustainable tourism, fishing and agriculture. These industries are the cornerstone of the Islands, and the Falkland Islands Government is committed to protecting and conserving the environment for future generations. All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Ordinance 1992.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some parts of the coastline and many of the smaller islands are designated as protected areas. There are plans in progress that may lead to marine designations for a wider range of habitats and species. Designated areas and environmental concerns must be fully considered within each EIA to ensure that all risks and possible impacts are mitigated against.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n