Ross 'war games' no fun for whales, says MSP
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GROWING concerns about the “disorientating” impact war games have on whales, dolphins and porpoises has prompted a demand for action by a Ross MSP.
Nationalist MSP Rob Gibson has been given assurances by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), a UHI College based near Oban, that there are clear links between naval activities and harm to marine mammal populations, particularly deep diving species.
He had approached SAMS for information about their studies into possible effects of marine renewables on cetaceans, only to be told that SAMS have a very small staff available for such research.
He said: “Another massive Joint Warrior exercise involving seven NATO members is underway off north-west Scotland.
"They will shell the cliffs at Cape Wrath while surface ships and aircraft hunt submarines from Plockton to the North Minch. Meanwhile growing evidence shows that naval activities disorientate cetaceans.
“The Ministry of Defence responds to claims that sonar tracking affects whales, dolphins and porpoises with bland reassurances about environmental safeguards. But they now have to address the large quantity of research into the problem.
“They have to spell out what mitigation tools have been developed in the UK, US and elsewhere. In my view they need to explain what they know and if necessary provide the funds for SAMS to do naval sonar effects on cetaceans.”
Exercise Joint Warrior, much of which will be rehearsed in the seas off Plockton in Wester Ross, involves Army, Navy and the RAF from eight countries and is due to run until April 26.
Many of the naval units will be operating in the water off Plockton, with the UK, USA, Germany, Holland, France, Norway, Denmark and Canada all contributing.
The UK’s Joint Force HQ will practice its command function afloat on the helicopter and commando carrier, HMS Illustrious.
Royal Navy flagship, HMS Bulwark, will host the Commander United Kingdom Task Group.
The aim of the exercise is to provide the highest quality training for all three armed services and the numerous visiting forces from allied nations.
A Royal Navy press office spokesman earlier said: "Some of the exercise areas overlap with environmentally sensitive conservation zones and considerations will always be taken into account as a primary consideration when planning exercises.
"During the planning of Joint Warrior, environmental impact assessments have been produced where required, such as for the use of active sonar and live weapons."
