THE British government's move to implement the European Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) directive has cleared the waters for sensible debate and scientific research on the stormy waters in the UK offshore sector.

Existing rules limit release of information to just 25 miles offshore, or in other sensitive areas where recommended by the government's statutory advisors such as the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Gas Environmental Consortium.

The regulations cover consent for offshore projects including deep drilling, production development and pipeline construction.

That environmental issues are integral to offshore operations is beyond doubt. Oil companies proudly publish, on recycled paper, and expound at great length what they believe we should hear. Unfortunately, enough information is omitted to require not only domestic but European Union-wide legislation to be enforced.

High profile drilling campaigns and disruption of seismic work in the West of Shetland waters do little to engage the oil business to the general public and even less to Greenpeace's standing with the industry or scientific community.

James May, the newly appointed director general at UKOOA, is calling for the industry to educate and polish a tarnished reputation. His prescient call must be heeded by companies working and planning to work in the UK sector.

Public information and accountable government are the buzz words for the 1990s and at last the sentiment is trickling into the oil and gas industry, where companies are embattled by environmentalists at every turn. Access to this information should clear misunderstandings and encourage acceptance of opposing viewpoints.

Greenpeace, the most vociferous and high-profile campaigner, though not necessarily the most successful, is today turning up the tempo with a case at London's High Court. While Greenpeace chairman Lord Melchett might see conspiracy theories lurking in the timing of the UK's acceptance of the directive with his organisation's move in the courts, others take a more considered approach.

Acceptance has been a long time coming. However, with these new found powers it is important that campaigners do not take advantage of the situation and waylay everything through a forest of public appeals and unnecessary EIAs. These tools must be used sensibly otherwise they risk losing their raison d'etre and will squander hard-earned rights.