SURFERS LEND SUPPORT TO MSP'S CALLS FOR THE MINCH TO BE DESIGNATED A 'HAZARD FREE SHIPPING AREA'

Leading environmental campaigners Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) have supported calls by John Farquhar Munro MSP for the Minch to receive greater environmental protection by re-routing potentially hazardous cargo vessels away from its inshore waters.

Shipping disasters continue to plague coastal communities across the UK and Europe in recent years, destroying wildlife, fishing, local economies and tourism. The Prestige disaster in Spain last year has been a massive reminder that our marine environment is under great pressure and that particularly sensitive coastlines must receive greater protection, whilst shipping companies must invest in better quality ships and more competent crew.

Whilst pollution from the stricken vessel 'Jambo' is currently being contained, salvage operations are notoriously difficult and the potential for long term damage in the Minch from its cargo of zinc sulphide and its own fuel oil is still very much a reality.

A similar incident involving the 'RMS Mulheim' has recently caused havoc to the Cornish coastline where its cargo of plastic car scrap washed up across north Cornish beaches after the vessel collided with rocks at Lands End. The presence of heavy metals and PCB's in this cargo which have entered the marine environment has raised concern for the long term implications this incident will have in Cornwall.

Richard Hardy, Campaigns Assistant says: "It's imperative that diverse and sensitive areas like the Minch are designated to protect them from shipping disasters and to build new legislation where the environment becomes the cornerstone".

SAS are asking water users, particularly sea kayakers, divers and sailors to support the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's calls to avoid the area at present. The area is popular for these sports and we hope this will be safeguarded by a successful salvage operation.

For further information please contact Richard Hardy on Tel: 01872 553001 or Mob: 07817 401480.

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