Greenpeace believes that the ocean depths are a global commons which should be protected. Science is increasingly revealing their importance in the ecology and natural cycles of the ocean surface. They are a wilderness which the industrial world can well afford to leave in peace.

Nature's Atlantic Frontier

The Atlantic Frontier is the least industrialised part of the UK. The continental shelf edge, in places, is less than 100 nautical miles from land, bringing ocean-going whales, birds and fish into contact with Britain. The coming of a major industry threatens the Atlantic Frontier with pollution.

Whales, dolphins and porpoises

A remarkable 22 species of whale, porpoise and dolphin have been recorded from these waters. Some scientists regard the waters of the Atlantic Frontier as among the richest and most important habitats for whales and dolphins in Europe.

Populations today

Researchers using the US Navy's submarine-detection hydrophone system have recently been able to identify and track individual whales, including the majestic and much depleted blue whales.

A scientist from Cornell University was quoted in the Independent, saying: 'Whenever you listen on these arrays you can hear between 10 and 100 across the North Atlantic. Some days it's like going into the woods on a spring morning and hearing all the birdsong.'

Harm to whales and dolphins from industrial disturbance

There are increasingly few quiet, natural parts of the seas for the whales to inhabit. There is much concern about the potential impact of oil development. A consortium of 14 oil companies is financing extensive seismic testing - which uses arrays of airguns and gas exploders to send sound waves through water - on the Atlantic Frontier. Seismic testing is believed to disrupt normal behaviour and to cause whales or dolphins to leave areas.