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Written question asked by Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 6 March 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 March 2020. It was answered by Rebecca Pow (Conservative) on Friday, 13 March 2020 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Seabed: Bomb Disposal

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of (a) high and (b) low order unexploded ordnance disposal on marine wildlife; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

Defra recognises the significant impact underwater noise from ordnance clearance and other activities can have on vulnerable marine species. We are working closely with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), other Government departments including the Ministry of Defence, statutory nature conservation bodies and marine industries to manage and reduce underwater noise.

The underwater noise impact of using low order deflagration techniques for unexploded ordnance detonations is currently being researched by Hartley Anderson on behalf of the Defra Group. The MMO is an active member of the Steering Group which is helping to progress this research. Closed water trials took place in 2019 and sea trials of the technology are planned for 2020. Defra does not expect to issue formal guidance on the use of low-order deflagration techniques until this research has been completed.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26130
Session
2019-21
Related items
Seabed: Bomb Disposal
Tuesday, 21 July 2020
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Bomb disposal Wildlife Seabed Marine environment
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk