A survey by Rigzone has found that 68% of oil and gas professionals in Scotland and the North Sea region are concerned about the potential impact of current oil prices on offshore exploration in the next five years.
Of the surveyed, 61% said they were confident about their career prospects for the next five years in Scotland / the North Sea region, while 9% said they were not.
Around 39% of surveyed oil and gas professionals said they were less than positive about the five-year outlook, while 42% were already looking at international assignments.
Australia / Oceania was the first location of choice for international assignments, followed by the Middle East and the US, respectively.
Approximately 9% believe that the debates around last year’s referendum have helped the industry.
Rigzone president Bob Melk said: "In spite of the fall in oil prices and political debates about the long-term revenue potential of the Continental Shelf, the majority of oil and gas professionals still appear to be confident about their career prospects in the region, both in the near and long term.
"However, for oil and gas companies to continue attracting top talent to the region, they will need to continue offering generous compensation packages and incentives."