HL Deb 28 July 1999 vol 604 cc202-3WA
Lord Beaumont of Whitley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What safeguards for wildlife, especially whales and dolphins, are in force in the area of sea between the United Kingdom and the Faroe Islands. [HL3749]

Lord Whitty

Up to the limit of UK territorial waters, all wildlife, including whales and dolphins, is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation (Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994.

The area of sea beyond territorial waters is not subject to national statutes. However, the area is subject to a moratorium on commercial whaling imposed by the International Whaling Commission. The moratorium does not apply to all species of whale, nor to Norway in respect of minke whales.

Furthermore, before licensing activities such as exploration for oil and gas in the area, the UK requires environmental impact assessments to be carried out. Other nations in the area will have their own measures to safeguard wildlife.