Read on Twitter
How the clearance of unexploded ordnance is damaging marine life: a thread
#StopSeaBlasts http://change.org/stopseablasts
#StopSeaBlasts http://change.org/stopseablasts
Over 100,000 tonnes of unexploded ordnance lie in waters around the UK, left over from the First and Second World Wars
These bombs, mines and shells need to be cleared for the construction of offshore wind farms and there are an estimated fifty clearances for this reason each year
Done the existing way, disposals are carried out by blowing up the bomb or mine. This causes huge disruption to marine habitats and threatens the survival of whales and dolphins
Marine mammals are dependent on their auditory system for navigation and communication. Any noise trauma can cause permanent hearing loss and can lead to mass stranding events https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-53653506
In 2011, at the Kyle of Durness in Scotland, 39 long-finned pilot whales were beached following nearby munitions disposals (Photo: Jamie Dyer)
A government investigation into the mass stranding found that the munition clearances were a likely cause of the event https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-33268200
Yet, almost ten years later, little has changed...
and munitions disposals are damaging marine life across the world... https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/german-navy-kills-porpoises-detonating-great-war-mines-bkskwkhdx
A new technology, called deflagration, can remove munitions from the sea floor without a damaging explosion
Deflagration is up to one hundred times quieter than the old-fashioned method. The difference is dramatic:
This technique has been used effectively by the Royal Navy for 15 years. It's about time that offshore wind developers follow suit...
Especially since the Prime Minister has announced a rapid expansion of offshore wind https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-54421489
and so the Government must act NOW to stop needlessly placing marine life at risk in the name of green energy #StopSeaBlasts http://change.org/stopseablasts
