Whales Frightened by Noise at Oil Site
Western gray whales off the east coast of Russia are being driven away from their feeding grounds by noise from the construction of a nearby oil and gas site.
Environmental groups are concerned by the high levels of noise from the construction by Sakhalin Energy (which is partly owned by Shell). Following advice from experts they had agreed to limit load noises to more than four hours at a time. Environmental groups in the area claim that the noise is instead going on for up to 48 hours.
Last weekend of the 30th June- 1st July was according to witnesses exceptionally noisy. Observers saw no whales despite excellent visibility.
Sakhalin Energy has issued assurances that it has not at any time violated its noise agreement.
(via New Scientist)
