14/12/2005
– Gland, Switzerland – An oil platform, constructed by Royal
Dutch Shell in the Russian Far East, is disrupting the feeding
patterns of the last remaining 100 Western Pacific grey
whales, according to a survey by WWF.
Results from the survey carried out from July to September
— the whale's peak feeding period — showed fewer whales
in the area closest to the platform, which covers a fifth
of their only known feeding grounds. Earlier this year,
Shell ignored the findings of an independent panel of distinguished
scientists that recommended against constructing a platform
near the whale's feeding area. "I
am extremely concerned that the installation of the platform
may have caused significant dislocation of the whales,"
said Richard Steiner, a professor at the University of
Alaska. "This does not bode well for the future of
the whales and calls into question Shell's professed commitment
to the environment.”
Professor Steiner resigned from the independent panel
following Shell's refusal in July to delay the installation
of the platform. At that time Shell had agreed not to
"plan, implement or continue any activity found to
have a biological impact on the whale population".
The platform is part of a multi-billion
gas and oil development project known as Sakhalin II,
which consists of three offshore platforms, offshore and
onshore pipelines, an onshore processing facility, a liquefied
natural gas facility, and an oil and gas terminal. However,
the Shell-led consortium — including other multi-nationals
like Mitsubishi and Mistui — relies on financing from
the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
In May 2005, the head of the EBRD
determined that the project was "unfit for purpose"
due to Shell's disregard for environmental considerations.
The bank could make a decision as early as Wednesday on
whether it will fund the Sakhalin II project.
"Shell has failed to meet even
its own environmental standards on its projects,"
said Paul Steele, WWF International’s Chief Executive
Officer. "We urge the bank to decline financing until
Shell properly faces up to its responsibilities."
WWF calls on Shell to suspend all offshore activities
pending results of next year’s whale monitoring programme
and to suspend all construction activities for river crossings
pending an independent assessment. Shell should be required
to restore degraded rivers and tributaries and compensate
local fishing communities for loss of livelihood as a
consequence of current practices. Shell should also present
an oil spill prevention programme that meets internationally
acceptable standards, particularly in the harsh, icy conditions
off Sakhalin's coastline. |
