GLG
Well-Known Member
The proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline threatens critical habitat of humpback whales off the coast of British Columbia, says newly released internal federal documents from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
The warning was included in a summary of a draft recovery strategy for the species that was to be introduced in 2010.
The federal Fisheries Department said it did not have any research scientists available to answer questions on Thursday about the recovery plan for humpback whales, but its internal records, released through access to information legislation, specifically highlighted potential threats from the pipeline project proposed by Alberta-based Enbridge Inc.
"The draft recovery strategy recommends determining appropriate management measures for shipping corridors within humpback whale critical habitat to mitigate underwater noise impacts to foraging and vessel strikes," said a list of "media lines" prepared in April 2010 by a department communications officer, Kirsten Ruecker.
Andrew Trites, a zoology professor from UBC who specializes in marine mammal research, noted that humpback whale populations are recovering and suggested fin whales, the world's second largest mammal species, face a greater threat from the proposed pipeline project and resulting shipping routes.
The warning was included in a summary of a draft recovery strategy for the species that was to be introduced in 2010.
The federal Fisheries Department said it did not have any research scientists available to answer questions on Thursday about the recovery plan for humpback whales, but its internal records, released through access to information legislation, specifically highlighted potential threats from the pipeline project proposed by Alberta-based Enbridge Inc.
"The draft recovery strategy recommends determining appropriate management measures for shipping corridors within humpback whale critical habitat to mitigate underwater noise impacts to foraging and vessel strikes," said a list of "media lines" prepared in April 2010 by a department communications officer, Kirsten Ruecker.
Andrew Trites, a zoology professor from UBC who specializes in marine mammal research, noted that humpback whale populations are recovering and suggested fin whales, the world's second largest mammal species, face a greater threat from the proposed pipeline project and resulting shipping routes.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/canada/says+Enbridge+pipeline+risk+whales/6276703/story.html
Some how I think this "risk" will soon melt away as the government calls the shots on science.
The question is what government?
GLG
Some how I think this "risk" will soon melt away as the government calls the shots on science.
The question is what government?
GLG
