Bottle nosed dolphins are in danger in the Moray Firth, Scotland, wikimedia commons
It seems like governments don’t learn anything. The United States is in the throes of the Gulf Oil disaster – and the U.K. government has decided to allow seismic surveys for oil and gas in the Moray Firth (Scotland), endangering the lives of bottlenosed dolphins in the area. In addition, part of the area is designated a Special Area of Conservation for the protections of dolphins in the area.
So what is the impact of seismic surveys on dolphins? According to Sarah Dolman, head of policy at the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) in Scotland:
“Seismic surveys cause high levels of noise under water which can disrupt the dolphins who use sonar to find food and communicate with each other.”
She also added:
“We are very disappointed by the decision to give the go-ahead for the seismic surveying in the protected area as it sets a bad precedent and potentially has very serious implications for this special dolphin population in the Moray Firth. We are considering the best course of action to take given that the U.K. government is permitting seismic surveys in the only protected area for dolphins in Scotland, against the rigorous scientific requirements of European legislation.”
If the seismic surveys produce “favorable” results, drilling for oil and gas in the area could continue for a long time – and where does that leave the dolphins?
The award winning documentary, The Cove, has already shown us the inhuman actions we submit dolphins to – will we never learn the unique qualities of these beautiful creatures, before it is too late……
Visit the WDCS web site for further information.
