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Beached whale at Broadhaven Bay

category mayo | environment | news report author Tuesday August 14, 2007 00:39author by JM TC

On Friday 3rd August 2007 a beached long-finned pilot whale was discovered dead on Glengad beach in Erris, north Mayo. This overlooks Broadhaven Bay, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a recognised habitat for significant species of marine mammals.
The dead pilot whale on Glengad beach
The dead pilot whale on Glengad beach

Pilot whales are rarely seen near the shore, and spend most of their time in deeper waters around the continental shelf, where they travel in large groups feeding off squid and small fish. Because of their dark colouring and similar size they are sometimes mistaken for killer whales, which also inhabit similar waters.

As with all marine mammals pilot whales are very sensitive to seismic disturbance, and it is this fact that is causing concern to the people of the area. It is well known that offshore activities associated with oil and gas exploration are currently underway, including 3D seismic surveys around the nearby Corrib gas field. Shell E&P Ireland Ltd. are also involved in ongoing seismic work in the bays of Broadhaven and Sruth Fada Conn.

Mayo County Council were quick to respond to the situation, burying the remains in the beach within hours of being informed by locals. It appears that no efforts were made to determine the cause of death or to retain samples for analysis, which would be normal for what seemed to be an otherwise healthy specimen.

Also of concern to the people of the area is that the beach is part of the protected habitat of Broadhaven Bay, which was recently highlighted by the Council in it’s efforts to evict the adjacent Rossport Solidarity Camp. This contradictory behaviour by the local authority is even more puzzling because of Mayo County Council’s stance on the Corrib gas project, who twice granted permission for Shell’s scheme through the very same beach. The council also approved a planning retention for unauthorised road-building by Shell through the SAC, which is currently being appealed to An Bord Pleanala.

From all of this two things seem certain. Broadhaven Bay and it’s surrounding waters are highly important to a large and thriving marine ecology. The second thing is that the authorities and Shell don’t seem to care.

Related Link: http://www.shelltosea.com/

Known territory of the long-finned pilot whale - North Atlantic
Known territory of the long-finned pilot whale - North Atlantic

Comments (18 of 18)

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author by Dompublication date Tue Aug 14, 2007 01:02author address author phone

Actually blood and tissue samples were taken and delivered to the dept of the Marine. The results of any analysis will be in the public domain after investigation as is the standard procedure.

author by Captain Birdseyepublication date Tue Aug 14, 2007 09:55author address author phone

to bury a beached whale as soon as possible. There have been loads of them buried on beaches over the years, although a sperm whale that died in Ballisodare Bay last year was towed away to sea first, before becoming beached again, and then being buried on the beach. In relation to the possible reasons, someone said that blasting at a quarry in Ballisodare Bay may have lured it into the bay where it got disorientated and eventually died, although this is merely conjecture (someone went as far as to say that the vibrations from the blasts may have sounded like a sexually receptive mate).
But I would say that you can expect to see the one in Mayo again, as usually they pop back up out of the beach sand after a while, and unless they used loads of lime while burying it then its just going to be a huge blob of partially decayed blubber, nice.
Its quite disingenuous to suggest that the ongoing exploration by sHell et al is responsible as this is quite a common phenomenom, especially along the west coast of ireland.

author by Terencepublication date Tue Aug 14, 2007 17:54author address author phone

Does anybody know if there was any seismic measurements going on at the time? During oil and gas exploration or even for general geology work, air-guns are used to set off loud explosive sounds which are used for profiling the seabed. Unfortunately these have proved extremely harmful to whales and has caused a number of strandings and deaths.

See for example: INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION CALLS FOR PROTECTION OF WHALES AND FISH FROM INDUSTRIAL OCEAN NOISE POLLUTION
In the press release it says:

At its 58th Annual Meeting, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) today unanimously endorsed the recommendations of its Scientific Committee calling for measures to address the acoustic impacts on whales, fish, and other marine species from exposure to ocean noise pollution from powerful industrial air guns. These air guns, which generate explosive noise for weeks to months at a time at intensities loud enough to cross entire ocean basins, are increasingly used to find oil and gas in coastal regions throughout the world's oceans.


It further elaborates:
In a special symposium convened earlier this month, the Scientific Committee of the IWC, the world's foremost international body of whale scientists, reviewed scientific case studies of marine mammals exposed to noise from seismic air gun surveys and identified a range of potential impacts to whales. They include significant changes in feeding and other survival behaviors, damage to fish and other prey species, stranding and death.

Related Link: http://www.nrdc.org/media/pressreleases/060619.asp
author by jayzhuspublication date Tue Aug 14, 2007 20:49author address author phone

There has been continued and unusual activity on the Iberian peninsula for the last 14 days which has led to seperate earthquakes being reported, one at around 4 richter in Catalonia and last at 5 richter in the centre of Castille near Madrid. Beyond that the last week's seismic activity has been focussed on the Pacific with quakes at 7 reported.
It is much more likely that the poor whale in question ate something toxic like a used condom or GSP device battery tossed carelessly overboard by the fleet of viking replica craft doing the rounds. (There are no less than six longboat replicas with suspiciously sophisticated antennas doing the cultural visits in the Bay of Biscay, Irish sea, Celtic sea and George's channel at the moment).

author by betting manpublication date Wed Aug 15, 2007 21:54author address author phone

So the possible culprits are - Replica viking boats many miles away, or massively increased seismic activity right beside where the whale was killed?

I know which my money is on...

author by JMpublication date Thu Aug 16, 2007 00:38author address Rossportauthor phone

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE IRISH WHALE AND DOLPHIN GROUP 23/8/2002

SHELL PLAN TO BLAST DOLPHINS IN BROADHAVEN BAY EU DESIGNATED SITE

Shell’s Blasting Plans for Broadhaven Bay put Dolphins at Risk – The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Call for Blasting to be Postponed

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group have raised concerns regarding the decision of Shell to begin underwater blasting this week in a protected marine Special Area of Conservation, Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo during the dolphins breeding season.

Dolphins use sound underwater to communicate and to locate their prey. They are highly sensitive to underwater sounds. Blasting creates powerful soundwaves which travel rapidly underwater. Such shockwaves can cause physical injury to dolphins in the vicinity. Blasting in the Bay could also exclude dolphins and whales from their habitat. Species affected within Broadhaven Bay marine SAC include Risso’s Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise, White beaked Dolphin, Atlantic White sided Dolphin and Minke Whale.

The IWDG view blasting in Broadhaven Bay at this time of year when several dolphin species are present with young, as deliberate disturbance.

Under Article 12 of the Habitats Directive and the Natural Habitats Regulations (S.I. 94 of 1997) in Irish law, it is prohibited to capture, kill or cause deliberate disturbance to Annex IV species which includes all whales and dolphins, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing of young and migration.

Disturbance can be minimised by carrying out blasting when dolphins are absent which will be determined when a baseline survey is completed and all permissions have been obtained.

An Bord Pleanala have asked Shell to consider alternative landfalls as it has not been demonstrated sufficiently that the remote siting of an onshore processing terminal eight kilometers from the landfall site constitutes the best option. To date Shell has failed to provide the Bord with the required data to enable the proper assessment of this application. Shell has thus postponed the laying of the gas pipeline from Broadhaven Bay to the Corrib gas field pending the outcome of An Bord Pleanala's deliberations. However the Petroleum Affairs Division of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources appear to have sanctioned blasting.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, see no justification whatsoever, for permitting or considering underwater blasting during the breeding season.

The IWDG call on the government and Shell to apply the precautionary principle, comply with the Habitats Directive and avoid causing unnecessary disturbance and possible trauma or injury to cetacean species, particularly dolphins with young calves.
This can be done by:
· postponing blasting to a less sensitive time
· completing a baseline survey on cetaceans in Broadhaven bay SAC
· and awaiting the outcome of the planning issue.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION REGARDING THIS PRESS RELEASE:

The IWDG notes that in the Plan of Development for the Corrib Gas Field, approved by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, government approval is subject to “Compliance with all relevant national and international statutory requirements”.

To carry out blasting and cause unnecessary disturbance to cetaceans, prior to meeting statutory requirements and to the granting of planning permission is in direct conflict with the Corrib Plan of Development and The Habitats Directive.

Article 12 of the Directive and the Natural Habitats Regulations, (S.I. No.94 of 1997), states “that the Minister ( of Member States) shall take the requisite measures to establish a system of strict protection for the fauna consisting of the animal species set out in Part 1 of the First Schedule (includes all whales and dolphins) prohibiting:
(a) “all forms of deliberate capture, killing of specimens of those species in
the wild”,
(b) “the deliberate disturbance of those species particularly during the
period of breeding, rearing, hibernation and migration.”

The IWDG also notes that it was stated, within the Plan of Development for the Corrib Gas Field, that prior to the commencement of works, an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) ‘shall be drawn up and shall provide detailed construction methodology and shall further consider all potential and predicted impacts and how they shall be managed, the mitigation and control measures and how they shall be implemented as well as monitoring proposed.’

The IWDG has to date not received a copy of the EMP and has not been informed of what mitigation measures are proposed to minimise the impact of proposed underwater blasting which pose a potential lethal threat to several species of cetaceans in Broadhaven Bay marine SAC, an EU designated site.

The IWDG request to have full participation in the production of the Environmental Management Plan which is acknowledged in the Marine Vetting License Report (April 2002), recommending the approval of the Corrib project to the Minister of Marine, has been ignored both by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and by Shell (formerly Enterprise Energy Ireland).

The IWDG has made three submissions to Shell/EEI in the last two years regarding their concerns about the impact of this development on cetaceans. The IWDG commented on the potential impact on cetaceans in Broadhaven Bay and offshore, at both the EIA scoping stage, in consultations on the first EIS and on the revised EIS. It has received no information from EEI or Shell on any published survey results or specific details of mitigation measures for whales and dolphins for the proposed work in Broadhaven Bay marine SAC.

The IWDG notes (see Item 6.3 of the Plan) that an Environmental Management Group (EMG) charged with monitoring development during all stages of construction and development and ensuring adherence to the approved EMP ‘will be set up in consultation with Mayo County Council.’

The EMG was formed in July and has met twice and includes representatives of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mayo County Council, Shell, Dúchas, North Western Fisheries Board and local fishing interests and local residents. IWDG scientific experts have not been invited to join or participate with the EMG and the group further notes that the EMG has no marine biologist, or ecological expert among its members, which raises serious concerns about how it will be able to monitor the marine environmental impacts of the biggest offshore marine development in the State.

The IWDG further notes ( items 6.7; 6.8 and 6.20 from the Plan of Development);

‘That the plan allowed (item 6.7) that the methodology of pipelaying within Broadhaven Bay, at the landfall and between the landfall and the terminal will be agreed with the Department before commencement of construction. That the methodology will be developed in full consultation with Dúchas to ensure that it meets requirements for the protection of habitats and species.’

The IWDG view the commencement of blasting before a baseline survey is completed as not complying with best practice. To allow blasting to commence before planning permission is obtained (considering that planning permission may never be obtained for the terminal in it’s present location) is reckless in the extreme as cetaceans will be disturbed, or possibly even injured or killed. The IWDG also notes;

That it is proper procedure that in principle all permissions and consents should be obtained prior to work commencing.

Shell have decided to recognise this principle by postponing the laying of the marine pipeline, until An Bord Pleanala rule on the matter. It must also now postpone the underwater blasting.

That the Plan of Development (Item 6.8) allowing the Construction in the nearshore, the landfall and subsequent terrestrial route for the pipeline to the Terminal shall consider particular periods of sensitivity of birds, fish and wild mammals.

The IWDG would view the summer months as a particularly sensitive period when it has been proven that schools of dolphins with their young are feeding in Broadhaven Bay marine SAC.

That the (Item 6.8) status of protected species at all construction sites shall be ascertained by survey. In the event that any such species are found, the developer shall notify Dúchas and agree to comply with their requirements under relevant legislation including EU Birds and Habitats Directives and national legislation.

The IWDG view the plan to carry out underwater blasting, when the planning permission for the gas pipeline has been postponed, as unnecessary disturbance due to the presence at this time of year of dolphins and their young in Broadhaven Bay marine SAC. A baseline survey of cetaceans in Broadhaven Bay commissioned by EEI (Shell) should be given an adequate period (of at least twelve months) to be completed to ascertain the least sensitive period before underwater blasting commences.

Who is the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group?

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group is a registered charity, dedicated to the conservation and better understanding of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoise) in Irish waters. The Group was founded in 1990 to establish an Irish stranding and sighting scheme and to campaign for the declaration of Irish territorial waters as a whale and dolphin sanctuary. Just one year later in June 1991 the Irish Government declared all Irish waters to be a whale and dolphin sanctuary... the first of its kind in Europe.

Our Mission
Our current focus is to promote better understanding of Irish cetaceans through education and research.
We achieve this through a number of IWDG Activities.
1. We work towards making the Irish Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary effective in the conservation of all cetaceans that either live in, or migrate through Irish waters.
2. We work in co-operation with industry, fishermen and other groups whose interests may sometimes conflict with those of cetacean conservation. We will work side by side with them to solve cetacean conservation problems to the benefit of both humans and cetaceans.
3. We work with the general public, to highlight the fact that Ireland is one of the best locations in the world to see cetaceans and to stress the need to conserve our cetaceans.
4. We encourage and promote responsible whale-watching in Ireland.
5.We work to educate coastal communities in how to recognise cetacean species that strand along their coasts and what they can do in the event of a live stranding.
6. We support and conduct research into cetacean ecology and conservation in Ireland, aiding and working alongside universities, government agencies and other research groups.
Press enquiries please contact: Shay Fennelly tel: 01 8370220

Date:24th August 2002.

Website:http://www.iwdg.ie
Email: iwdg@eircom.net

Related Link: http://www.shelltosea.com/
author by dillpublication date Thu Aug 16, 2007 00:55author address author phone

The IWDG is under the same illusion as most citizens outside of N. Mayo -
that An Bord Pleanala, the EPA, Mayo Co. Co., the gardai and the government give a damn
about the law when it comes to accommodating Shell.
They don't. How much more evidence do we need?

Come to Erris and find out how a 'state within a state' operates.

author by call me Ishmaelpublication date Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:52author address author phone

Press release from Serica from earlier this month

http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/August2007/07/c43....html

Serica holds a 100% interest in Blocks 27/4, 27/5 west and 27/9 in the
Slyne Basin off the west coast of Ireland and is carrying out a 3D seismic
reprocessing project in order to confirm exploration well locations on several
large gas prospects that it has already identified. The blocks lie about 40 km
south of the 1 tcf Corrib gas field, currently under development by Shell.

http://www.serica-energy.com/

Related Link: http://www.youtube.ie/shelltohell
author by Dpublication date Thu Aug 16, 2007 14:15author address author phone

Serica's press release says they are carrying out a "seismic reprocessing project". Seismic processing or reprocessing does not involve any activity in the field, it is working on old data (using computers in offices) to improve the seismic image with the hope of reducing the exploration risk.

author by SLpublication date Thu Aug 16, 2007 22:24author address author phone

JM

As well you know there will be no blasting in the bay. This is only one of the reasons why the petition to the EU is incorrect. There are no plans to blast in the bay - alternative technology is being used. Furthermore do you know anything about shallow seismics? Or when they were carried out? Or how many whales are found washed up on the coast of Mayo each year? Or what they smell like if they are not buried?

author by jdpublication date Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:10author address author phone

"alternative technology is being used"

can we have details please?

author by man in the knowpublication date Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:27author address author phone

In 2002, the landfall at Glengad was cut and the nearshore approach trench partially dug. Rock was found in the shallow approaches and at the time, it was suspected that blasting may be necessary to cut through this. This decision was never reached as the project was suspended that summer due to the planning issues with the terminal.
In 2005, the landfall was restarted and concentrated at the rock reef. Heavier duty rock breaking equipment (alternative technology) was used (rock picks and shovels) and the trench dug through the reef. There was no requirement for blasting.
The recent survey has been within Sruwaddacon bay and yes there has been 'seismic' work but limited to very shallow works using a 'buffalo' gun - a tube placed in the ground and a .22 cartridge fired into it. Unless the pilot whales have been entering this very shallow water (somehow I don't think so), this recent unfiortunate discovery has nothing to do with the pipeline activities.

There has been no offshore seismic work in the Corrib field for a long time.

Stop scaremongering until you have the facts !

author by jdpublication date Sun Aug 19, 2007 14:34author address author phone

scaremongering or being economical with the facts - which is it?

'man in the know' is giving us a history lesson. Some of us are more interested in the future.
According to the IWDG Shell will blast Broadhaven Bay with dire consequences for any whales or dolphins present.

http://www.iwdg.ie/article.asp?id=418&search=broadhaven

author by realistpublication date Sun Aug 19, 2007 15:40author address author phone

Jd says "'man in the know' is giving us a history lesson. Some of us are more interested in the future."
then goes on to provide a link to a piece on the IWDG website dated " 26 August 2002"
http://www.iwdg.ie/article.asp?id=418&search=broadhaven.
Irony or what?

author by realistpublication date Sun Aug 19, 2007 15:49author address author phone

and.......... if you take the time to browse the IWDG's website you will find there is 1711 recorded strandings of Cetacean.
154 in mayo since 1894! http://www.iwdg.ie/iscope/strandings/default.asp?datase...earch
I wonder how many of them were caused by shell?

author by jdpublication date Sun Aug 19, 2007 18:40author address author phone

For those of you who believe that Shell give a damn about whales or dolphins
- the World Wildlife Fund doesn't think so:

"Shell oil platform in Russia's Far East driving whales towards extinction................
............Shell ignored the findings of an independent panel of distinguished scientists that recommended against constructing a platform near the whale's feeding area...............and calls into question Shell's professed commitment to the environment."

Do you really think Erris will be treated differently?

Unless you've been watching too many of those colourful Shell ads.

- 'nuf said

http://www.panda.org/news_facts/newsroom/news/index.cfm...53980

author by Erris Exilepublication date Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:08author address author phone

Back in 2002 there were plans for approx 200m of rock in the nearshore to be blasted (a jack up rig was brought in by Tideways and the holes bored). The blasts were to fracture the rock and not blow anything to bits. Cetacean experts were brought in and there was a round the clock (and all year round) survey for sightings and/or breachings. Hydrophones were also deployed and contingency measures were agreed with the NPW Service so that blast activities could be called off right up to the holes being primed. However, due to a number of reasons (Dooncarton landslide included) this rock was subsequently broken up using other means. There are NO plans afoot to blast anything in BH Bay. The seismic being shot out to sea is something completely different. Beachings are natural occurrences and of course I am not surprised that S2S would like to associate this to Shell's activities.

author by jdpublication date Mon Aug 20, 2007 12:15author address author phone

Is this current enough? 11 January 2007

European Court of Justice rules against Ireland for failing to provide protection to cetaceans

35. The Commission refers, in particular, to three projects having negative impacts........ the breeding sites and resting places of cetaceans (the project for the construction of a gas pipeline in Broadhaven Bay).

36......the construction of a gas pipeline in Broadhaven Bay), shows that the species listed in Annex IV(a) to Directive 92/43 and their breeding sites and resting places are subject to disturbances and to threats which the Irish rules do not make it possible to prevent.

SHAME!

http://www.iwdg.ie/downloads/ECJ.pdf


http://www.indymedia.ie/article/83787

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