London acts to save gray whales under threat

With only a few Western Pacific gray whales left in the world, this species clearly need protecting but Royal Dutch Shell don't seem to agree. The planned construction of an offshore drilling platform and installation of a seabed pipeline near Sakhalin Island - Russia's northeast coast - could drive
these animals away. The pipeline runs right through the heart of the whales feeding grounds and its the only known place where the females wean and feed their calves.

The Sakhalin II project is being run by the Sakhalin Energy Investment Company (SEIC), a consortium that is part owned by oil giant Royal Dutch Shell. Scientists have warned that the death of just one whale each year could be enough to drive this population to extinction and many of the whales have already appeared thin and undernourished. Experts consulted by Shell have also explained that the project is likely to wipe the whales out. Shell, it seems, are intent to go ahead with plans nonetheless.

As part of the 120 day consultation period on the Sakhalin II project, there is a stakeholder's meeting in various cities including London. This is being organised on behalf of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), who are considering whether to advance funds to the
project being developed by the Sakhalin Energy Investment Company; which is held 55% by Shell and 25% and 20% respectively by the Japanese corporations Mitsui and Mitsubishi.

The British peoples' love of whales was evident during in recent times when a young Northern bottlenose whale strayed up the River Thames and crowds lined the route cheering the rescue team in the hope that this animal could be saved. Sadly now it appears that UK tax payers could also be paying towards the extinction of the gray whale and endanger other species that frequent the area around Sakhalin, such as Steller sea lions and seals.

But you can help - this is your opportunity to support the cause to save the gray whales in a really simple way - if you purchase fuel, please don't pull into a Shell petrol station.

You can also come along and show your support for the whales at a peaceful protest being held outside the stakeholders meeting in London on 28 February at 1.30pm at:

Park Plaza Hotel
239 Vauxhall Bridge Road
Victoria
London
SW1V 1AU