The STATE OF THE EAST GRAMPIAN COAST The production of North Sea oil began approximately 200 miles off Aberdeen in June 1975. Since then, the industry has made a huge contribution to the UK and local economy. The results of the industry can clearly been seen. At the harbour, virtually all quayside facilities were rebuilt in the 1970s and 80s. Aberdeen airport was transformed from a small regional airport into the world’s busiest heliport. Dyce, Altens and Bridge of Don became sites for office blocks, pipe yards, fabrication facilities and oil majors’ headquarters. There was an influx of people from elsewhere in the UK and overseas; a reversal of the historic emigration pattern. The demand for housing grew and commuter towns around the city took on a new lease of life. However, the industry collapsed in 1986 leading to 6,000 of the 28,000 offshore jobs being lost, with a further 22,000 of the onshore workforce unemployed. Since then the expected oil recovery from many fields has increased significantly, with improvements in technology allowing small, previously unachievable deposits to be exploited. The industry now employs around 260,000 people in some 6,000 companies throughout the UK, including 5% of the Scottish workforce and 20% of people in Aberdeen. In modern society, many of the resources relied upon for centuries are subject to increasing pressures and an increasing demand. This may threaten their existence and availability to a level which can no longer sustain a strong economy. Alongside this, the nature of employment is changing as these resources diminish and more are reliant on employment which is unrelated to the maritime sectors. As such, there is a danger that the area will lose these connections as traditional settlements become commuter towns for office jobs in Aberdeen. A number of events take place in the area each year to celebrate local traditions and to maintain the maritime culture and heritage, which may otherwise be lost. It is generally accepted that these traditions should be kept and maintained as they enrich our lives by helping us understand the past; by adding richness to the present environment; and because we feel they are to be of value to future generations. In addition to this if, in the future, we revert back to these industries, we may no longer have the skills base to support them due to a loss of knowledge. The loss of cultural distinctiveness is used as an ICZM indicator, measured with the number of local products with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. PDO is used to describe food products which are produced in a particular geographical area. In the East Grampian costal zone, no products qualify or have registered for PDO status*.
*ICZM Indicator
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