Row over coastal test threat to whale routes

(From portlincoln.yourguide.com.au)- A conservation fight is looming over an energy company”s plan to use seismic tests to explore almost 6000 square kilometres of ocean, along the coast between Sydney and Newcastle, in search of coal under the seabed. A NSW Greens parliamentarian, Lee Rhiannon, said seismic vibrations could harm whales migrating and affect whale-watch businesses, and would galvanise community and environmental groups opposed to ecological degradation. An Energie spokesman, Rick Somerton, told the Herald that his company wanted to extract energy in gas form from seabed coal in a process called gasification.

Energie Future Pty Ltd has applied under the Commonwealth Offshore Minerals Act for four mineral exploration licences over 5940 square kilometres from Stockton Bight to Stanwell Park.

(By PAUL MAGUIRE)

Read Full Article