Falklands : Environmental Committee Report (03/10/06)
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 04.10.2006 (Article Archived on 18.10.2006)
Find out what happened during this important committee meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT (03/10/06)
By J. Brock (FINN)
A meeting of the Environmental Committee took place on Thursday, 21 September 2006 at 0830hrs in the Liberation Room of the Secretariat. Present were Cllr Richard Davies (Chair), Mr. Ian Strange (New Island South Conservation Trust) Mrs. Phyl Rendell (Department of Minerals and Agriculture), Mr. Manfred Keenleyside (Department of Public Works), Mr. John Barton (Director of Fisheries), Mrs. Sally Poncet, Dr. Brendan Gara (FIDC), Mrs. Sally Blake (Rural Business Association), Miss Ros Cheek (Crown Council), Mrs. Dominique Giudicelli (Environmental Planning Officer), Mr. Grant Munro (Falklands Conservation) Ms. Helen Otley (Environmental Officer) and Mrs. Fiona Wallace-Nannig (Secretary).
After apologies for absence from Cllr. Mike Rendell, Cllr Davies welcomed the new Environmental Officer, Ms. Helen Otley. After declarations of interest, confirmation of the minutes of meeting held on 30 May 2006 was signed. There were no amendments.
ACAP:
In Matters arising, Dominique Giudicelli updated the committee about her attendance at a meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee in Brasilia in June. She pointed out that the Falkland Islands and Tristan da Cunha were the only populated Overseas Territories where ACAP listed species live. She also reported that the typical exchange took place between Argentine and British Diplomats about the Falklands. The next ACAP Advisory Committee meeting will take place in Chile in July 2007.
KYOTO:
Committee members read a letter from Defra as well as an explanatory e-mail dealing with a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Manfred Keenleyside mentioned that involvement in CDM would be unworkable here but further suggested a poll of Falklands businesses to see if they want to participate.
MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING:
Dominique Giudicelli said that a draft of the memo had been drawn up and hopefully would go through the consultation process.
INTRODUCTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER:
Ms. Helen Otley introduced herself and outlined her past work in the Falklands as well as her hopes for her future work. She had received training un the UK prior to taking up her post. Sally Poncet was happy to see the post was filled.
GYPSY COVE MANAGEMENT PLAN:
Mrs Wallace-Nannig gave quotes for a viewing area and sineage to the committee. Signs needed to be UV proof. A company has been identified that has provided signs for Ascension Island. The committee felt there was need for further information about the signs. The Draft Management Plan for Gypsy Cove will go to EXCO.
DURATION OF RESEARCH LICENCES:
A five year licence was suggested for the Elephant Seal Research Group. A debate about accommodation in the Sea Lion Lodge ensued, with negotiations with the Lodge owners being seen as the way forward for all research accommodation. Dominique Giudicelli reminded everyone that Sea Lion Island was a RAMSAR site and that legislation was needed to protect it. It was important to keep all communication channels open. The 5 year licence was approved and a requirement of a yearly report was recommended.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES BUDGET:
£5,000 was approved for New Island Conservation Trust for Gorse Removal. However, not all Gorse would be removed as it is a good habitat for indigenous wildlife. The committee said they would have preferred a breakdown of costs in the application form so the expenditure of the £5,000.00 would be explained. £2500.00 was approved for Fox eradication on Beaver Island.
PVRS FROM TOUR SHIPS:
IAATO now requires cruise ships visiting Antarctic provide statistical information andthis includes visiting wildlife sites around the Falklands. It was agreed that the information would be held by the Environmental Planning Department.
APPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH LICENCES:
Falklands conservation would return to the same sites when studying Johnny Rooks (Striated Cara Cara) as they did when the 1997/98 study was carried out. Clarification of the 20%/20% guidelines was requested by Dominique Giudicelli. Grant Munro explained that that when studying plant species only 20% of the plant could be taken for research. The licence was approved.
Bath University was concerned about blood sampling and Dr. Brendan Gara explained that taking blood could cause harm to the species studied if the researcher did not know how to do it. Further information was needed for the project to go ahead.
Thin Billed Prions – the University of California – Grant Munro asked if there were enough birds on Lively Island for the study. The research would take place during the breeding season and could be intrusive. It was suggested that members of the research team visit the site and the committee before progressing any further.
New Island Conservation Trust – the committee approved the request.
King and Rockhopper Penguin Research – approval was for Rockhopper Penguins only
ESRG_ the committee acknowledged the receipt of the additional application for a one-year licence. The licence was granted.
IMPORTANT SITE VISITS BY TOURISTS:
Information placed before the committee would need further discussion but the EPO said that committee members could e-mail her with their comments.
ANTARCTIC RESEARCH TRUST:
Members noted information and thanked the Trust for all their hard work.
PHOTO SHOOT ON SURF BAY:
The FIC wanted to bring a Freelander on Surf Bay for a photo shoot. This was approved.
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