A FIVE–YEAR study of toxins in whales highlighted at the International Whaling Commission has alarmed environmentalists.
High levels of toxic heavy metals were found in whales in the study by Ocean Alliance, according to founding biologist Roger Payne.
“This study has massive implications for the Government’s planned dumping of the ex–HMAS Adelaide in a whale migratory path at Avoca Beach,” No Ship Action Group’s Michelle Meares said.
The study has also concerned Greenpeace.
“Dumping a toxic warship into a whale migration path is environmental vandalism,” said Greenpeace spokesperson James Lorenz.
“In support of the No Ship Action Group, Greenpeace is calling for common sense to prevail and for the ship to be safely recycled,” Mr Lorenz said.
Dr Payne from Ocean Alliance was quoted in Saturday’s Sydney Morning Herald saying: “The biggest surprise was chromium. That’s an absolute shocker. Nobody was even looking for it.”
The report sampled tissue of nearly 1000 sperm whales and said the entire ocean was loaded with a series of contaminants which are threatening whales.
The ex–HMAS Adelaide is a steel–hulled 4000–tonne warship with about 15 tonnes of paint. Two to three tonnes is antifouling paint which contains Chromium 6.
Two sources of chromium in the ocean are antifouling paint and steel.
The Government plans to dump the obsolete warship in the humpback whale migration path.
“It beggars belief that such a potentially damaging act is under consideration by a supposedly educated government in our country,” Ms Meares said.
“Let’s look at recycling this old warship responsibly. Perhaps new industry and jobs could also come out of it.”
Back in 1995 Shell UK wanted to dump an old oil storage buoy called the Brent Spar about 250 km off Scotland. A worldwide campaign against this plan ultimately saw Shell recycle the Brent Spar in 1998.
The Environmental Defenders Office acting for the No Ship Action Group apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal tomorrow (Wednesday June 30) for an adjournment.
No Ship Action GroupMedia Inquiries http://noship.com.au
Ben Smith 0409 693 205,
Michelle Meares 0439 645 372