Cape Argus (Capetown, South Africa), August 31, 2007

NATO EXERCISES 'INAPPROPRIATE'

[Rachel's introduction: "Because of lack of knowledge and the fact that there have been mass strandings [of whales] caused by the use of these naval sonars, the precautionary principle should have been invoked."]

By John Yeld and Henri du Plessis

Whale conservationists and marine scientists are unhappy that the Nato naval exercises off the Peninsula next week will "inappropriately" be taking place at the height of the whale season.

But navy spokesperson have denied that their actions will have an effect on the mammals that have become one of the country's top tourist attractions.

Hundreds of southern right whales have arrived for their annual spring and early summer pilgrimage to the Cape waters, with many of them giving birth and mating.

'With so many whales inshore and off-shore, the chances of vessel strikes are of major concern' There are also humpback whales and Bryde's whales.

Whale and dolphin conservationist Nan Rice of the Dolphin Action Group was among those expressing concern, as was whale expert Dr Peter Best of Pretoria University's Mammal Research Institute.

"I was astounded, as are others to whom I have spoken, that these exercises should have been scheduled for the time when the number of whales of different species peak around our coasts in their thousands," Rice said.

All the naval vessels, including South Africa's new corvettes, carried low or medium range submarine detection sonars which would "obviously" have to be used if the task force intended testing anti-submarine proficiencies, she said.

"Furthermore, with so many whales inshore and off-shore, the chances of vessel strikes are of major concern."

Best said he shared Rice's concerns. "Although we are unclear of the exact nature of these war games, there is enough evidence from naval exercises elsewhere as regards their potential effect on deep diving species such as beaked whales for us to be concerned.

"It might be more reassuring if the organisers... could provide us with details of the mitigating measures they plan to take to avoid undue disturbance and damage to marine life, especially cetaceans (whales and dolphins)."

Rice said there was still no certainty over whether sonars affected all whale and dolphin species or just certain species.

"Because of lack of knowledge and the fact that there have been mass strandings caused by the use of these naval sonars, the precautionary principle should have been invoked."

But spokesperson for both the SA Navy and the Nato force stressed that low frequency sonars would not be used during the exercises.

This was confirmed by the commander of the task force, Rear Admiral Michael Mahon of the US Navy, who said it was US Navy policy to be ultra careful over environmental issues.

The government's own marine scientists are also understood to be concerned.

Mava Scott, acting chief director: communications in the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, said they would investigate.

This article was originally published on page 5 of Cape Argus on August 31, 2007

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