MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Conservation: “An environmental disaster”

According to a press release issued by Falklands Conservation in Stanley, a fire on South Jason Island which began after British Troops detonated unexploded cannon rounds which were found on two crashed Argentine Skyhawk aircraft, 'it is estimated that 90% of the 'tussac' grass which covers the Island has been lost, with the entire southern half of the Island badly affected by the fire'.

Conservationists in the Falklands have described the fire as 'an environmental disaster, with a potential tremendous loss of wild-life'.

The Argentine aircraft of 'Group 4' were reported to have crashed into the Island, in early May 1982, during very bad weather conditions with the pilots Lt. Casco and Lt. Farias both being killed, but the munitions which were originally discovered were never considered a threat to the public as the Island is virtually inaccessible other than by helicopter.

The Island, a Crown Nature Reserve measuring 4 miles by 1 mile, is also the breeding home for many valuable species of wild life including globally endangered species such as the black-browed albatross and rockhopper penguins. The island was also home to many burrowing prions and Magellanic penguins, as well as the endemic Falkland species, the Cobb's wren and internationally threatened bird of prey, the striated caracara.

Falklands Conservation Officer Becky Ingham states in the press release, 'These species are under significant threat from a variety of sources and the sanctuary that should have been provided by the status of this island Reserve was clearly violated. It demonstrates the urgent need for British Forces working within sensitive environments to have a greater level of awareness about their surroundings, and highlights the necessity for a review of their environmental procedures'.

Members of the British Forces and civilian fire crews have fought since Saturday to extinguish the blaze while helicopters dropped water on the affected areas. The press release describes the fire-fighting efforts as 'valiant' but goes on to say, 'However, despite these efforts this incident raises questions as to the validity of the exercise that took place in a Nature Reserve during a sensitive time of year for the islands rare wildlife'.

A fishery patrol aircraft carrying a photographer flew over the island early on Wednesday morning, and according to the press release, 'It is estimated that 90% of the tussac cover has been lost, with the entire southern half of the island badly affected by the fire. Of the 1750 breeding albatross many will perish along with their recently hatched chicks. Some remain on their nests, ho