Military Detonations Led To Death Of Whales Off Scottish Coast

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has called for an end to explosives being detonated in the sea around Scotland. This follows The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) report into the deaths of 19 whales in 2011. As reported on the BBC News site - 'Defra's report into the incident said that three 1,000lb (454kg) explosives were exploded underwater at the nearby Cape Wrath military firing range the day before the stranding, while there was another blast shortly after the animals got into difficulty.'

Rob Gibson, SNP Member of Scottish Parliament for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said: "This report confirms what we already suspected but the Ministry of Defence tried to cover up - the detonating of bombs led to the whales being deafened, forced off course and dying on the beach at Kyle of Durness."

He added: "The efforts of the local people in the Kyle of Durness to save the beached whales were incredible - but sadly the animals could not be saved and many died.

"Scotland's seas are blessed with many marine mammals, including more than 20 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. It is our responsibility, where possible, to do all we can to protect these wonderful and popular species."

Questions have also been raised about the length of time it had taken for the report to be published which was only released yesterday (June 24, 2015). The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it accepted the report's findings. However, it is still not clear whether all of the recommendations will be acted upon by the MoD who have only said they will be considered and implemented where appropriate! This is not acceptable, military explosives being detonated in the sea around Scotland should be stopped forthwith.