2008-10-03

Massive Military Operation To Begin In Scotland

A huge military exercise is due to take place over the coming weeks off the west coast of Scotland. Joint Warrior, the largest military exercise in Europe, will begin on the 6th of October for two weeks. The exercise will involve 29 naval ships, 4 submarines and sixty aircraft flying 100 missions a day.

Military exercises have been carried out for decades in this area.

The west coast of Scotland is home to a large diversity of marine species, including 24 species of cetacean, vulnerable basking sharks and internationally significant species of seabirds. This area is a particularly important habitat for cetaceans, notably harbour porpoises and minke whales. WDCS is concerned that noise from such considerable activity may have damaging effects on marine mammals in the area.

WDCS researchers will be conducting a land-based survey off the west coast of Scotland during October to determine the presence and diversity of whales and dolphins in the area. You can read the WDCS field blog beginning on Monday 6th October here. Interesting sightings this month include Risso’s dolphins off Gairloch – one of Scotland’s deep diving and vulnerable dolphin species that currently receives little protection in our waters.

Source WDCS / MOD http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/TrainingAndAdventure