16 May 2006
Protest at Shell's Threat to Grey Whales
Shell's Sakhalin II project in Russia's far east is the largest oil and gas extraction project in the world and they are seeking up to $300 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Despite the warnings of scientists that this project could drive the whales to extinction, the European Bank looks set to back the project with public funds.
The western Pacific stock of Grey Whales (Eschrichtius robustus) has only about 100 animals remaining - of which just 23 are reproductive females.
The whales have already suffered during the first phase3 of the Sakhalin Energy project, which went into production five years ago. Scared away from their feeding grounds, the whales became emaciated and fewer calves were born. Environmental organisations are concerned that the next phase, which would run an undersea pipeline directly through their feeding grounds and place a platform even closer to them, is a major threat to the whale's survival.
If you would like to attend the protest it is on 22 May, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, Junction of Edgware Road (by the flyover) and Praed Street, London W2. To protest by e-mail contact sakhalinfeedback@ebrd.com.
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