§ Mr. Greg KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact upon(a) whales and (b) dolphins in UK territorial waters of low-wave radar; and if she will make a statement. [120618]
§ Mr. IngramI have been asked to reply.
I understand the question pertains to what is known as Low Frequency Active Sonar (LFAS). The MOD plans to introduce Sonar 2087, an LFAS system, in order to protect against a developing submarine threat. The system is planned to be used, at need, on a worldwide basis. The associated Environmental Impact Assessment accordingly considered its potential effects on marine mammals in the conditions in which it might be used, rather than in the specific context of UK territorial waters. The assessment, which we are updating continuously as necessary, indicates that the sonar has the potential to be harmful to marine mammals. It forms the basis for the development of a range of operating measures to minimise the danger of such impact.