Business Poster B4: Environmental genomics applications for environmental management activities in the oil and gas industry: state-of-the-art review and future research needs
Michael Marnane A *A Chevron Energy Technology Company Pty Ltd, Perth, WA, Australia.
The APPEA Journal 62 - https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ21440
Published: 3 June 2022
Abstract
Poster B4
Environmental genomics is a rapidly advancing field that promises to revolutionise the way in which industry conducts biodiversity monitoring. The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers Environmental Genomics Joint Industry Program (JIP) was formed in June 2019 with the aim of facilitating the development and uptake of environmental genomics within the oil and gas industry. Towards this goal, a white paper was produced that summarises the state‐of‐the‐art in environmental genomics research, and the opportunities and limitations of applying environmental genomics within industry. The white paper included a comprehensive literature review, and importantly, involved consultation with professionals from academic, regulatory and industry backgrounds from across the globe that had expertise in environmental genomics applications. While this consultation revealed a consensus that the application of environmental genomics has advanced greatly in a brief period, with demonstrable benefits, there was an acknowledgement that key aspects are still lacking that would allow confident application of genomics approaches within industry. Through the review and consultation process, a range of knowledge gaps and areas requiring further development were identified. To elucidate which of these areas were most critical to the successful application of environmental genomics within industry, the JIP is drafting guidance that describes sampling design considerations, minimum standards for laboratory analyses and approaches to genomics data interpretation. Through the drafting of guidance, the JIP hopes to determine which gaps are most critical, enabling these to be prioritised for targeted research. The guidance will then be updated regularly to capture the latest research outcomes.
To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Keywords: academics, biodiversity, consultation, eDNA, environmental DNA, Environmental Genomics Joint Industry Program, IOGP, knowledge gaps, monitoring, oil and gas industry, regulators.
Dr Michael Marnane is a Senior Marine Ecologist within the Chevron Energy Technology Company, based in Perth, Western Australia, where he provides technical advice and leads science and innovation projects that improve operational efficiency and environmental performance across Chevon’s global operations. Michael has a PhD in Marine Biology from James Cook University and has over 25 years of experience in marine science and environmental management. He leads Chevron’s Cost-Effective Biodiversity Monitoring Program and has developed a range of novel monitoring technologies to assess and manage potential environmental impacts of offshore activities. Michael has led projects on the environmental monitoring and management of port developments, seismic operations, offshore drilling, marine outfalls and invasive species. Most recently, Michael has been applying new technologies, such as environmental DNA (eDNA) and stereo-video methods, to demonstrate the environmental and socioeconomic value of leave-in-place decommissioning alternatives for offshore oil and gas infrastructure. |
