Scientists fear impact of Sakhalin energy project's noise on whales

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2007

GENEVA (AFP) — An independent scientific panel has expressed concern over a decision by oil and gas companies developing Russia's Sakhalin II offshore fields to ignore noise limits aimed at preserving whales, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) said Friday.

The international panel set up by the IUCN said the decision by the Gazprom led consortium including Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell, Japan's Mitsui and Mistubishi to reject construction noise criteria on technical grounds could jeopardise western gray whales.

"We are especially concerned that the company appears to have decided not to include thresholds for prolonged exposure to lower noise levels," the Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel said in a statement released by the nature conservation agency.

"Without...