This volume defines the nature and extent of the environmental effects of 25 years of oil and gas operations in the North Sea. During this period in which the North Sea has become one of the world’s major hydrocarbon producing areas, there has been increasing public and scientific awareness of the damage that can be caused by man’s activities. The North Sea is bordered by heavily industrialized nations and it is no exception to these environmental concerns. The volume is built upon studies of closely coupled systems, using published and unpublished data to highlight key areas of environmental impact.