Whale sightings add to pressure to block Firth of Forth oil transfers

THE Executive came under pressure yesterday to intervene to stop plans for ship-to-ship transfers of Russian oil in the Firth of Forth, amid fears that it will jeopardise the flourishing wildlife in the river estuary.

Volunteer activists have reported 99 sightings of three species of whales and other protected mammals, including bottle-nosed dolphins in the Firth.

It is understood that the oil-transfer project is to get the go-ahead because of inadequate information on the incidence of mammals in the waters earmarked for the transfers.

But according to the Green Party, Forth Ports' plans could be blocked if the Executive can provide compelling evidence that the project could endanger protected species and their habitats.

The Greens logged 99 calls to their campaign hotline number set up to monitor sightings of whales. People reported seeing "killer" Orcas as well as minke and pilot whales, from North Berwick to Crail.

The pressure to halt the oil-transfer plans comes just days after The Scotsman revealed a consortium of environmental organisations are warning that Scotland's marine life faces extinction within 50 years - unless oil rigs, offshore wind farms, fishing and fish farms are planned with more concern for sensitive areas.

Mark Ruskell, Green MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, said last night: "The number of firm sightings show an impressive diversity and number of important species in the Firth of Forth. What we need is ministers to step in and block the project."