§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of global research regarding the impact of low frequency active sonar on(a) mammals, (b) fish and (c) humans. [124536]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 10 July 2003]I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for New Forest East (Dr. Lewis) on 10 February 2003,Official Report, column 511W. The Ministry of Defence monitors global research to ensure that our 197W Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are based on the best available information. The EIA undertaken for Sonar 2087, a Low Frequency Active Sonar, covered fish and humans as well as marine mammals. The conclusion of the EIA, that the sonar had the potential to have an adverse impact, applied to each of these categories. The range of mitigation measures proposed will be also capable of being adapted to each.