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Falkland Islands: Penguin News Weekly Update

Director of Fisheries, John Barton, addresses the delegates in the Consolidated Fisheries Ltd-sponsored session on “Balancing commercial activities and conservation.”

Headlines:
'Falklands of 2007' showcased; Jigger sinks as Uranie Rock claims new victim; Her Majesty's day; Public meeting planned.

'Falklands of 2007' showcasedTHE event showcasing the Falklands of 2007 which took place in London this week has been described by delegates as, "...interesting, forward looking and stimulating." More than two hundred people attended the Falklands Forum and the Government's representative in the UK, Sukey Cameron, said business people from one sector had commented that it had been useful to see the "bigger picture." The Forum was followed by a reception in the House of Commons, which was attended by a number of MPs, including Shadow Defence Minister, William Hague, who made a short speech. He said he found the Islands, "very impressive" on his recent visit. The event was supported through sponsorship by a number of companies in the Falklands and overseas. Ms Cameron commented, "We are most grateful to all our sponsors for their support of the event." â€Ã‚¢ Next week: Rob Burnett reports from the Falklands Forum. Jigger sinks as Uranie Rock claims new victimURANIE Rock, named for the French ship which it holed in 1820, has claimed another victim. Taiwanese jigger Hwa Jaan 16sank after striking the rock, 1.2 nautical miles from Volunteer Point on Tuesday. None of the 31 crew was injured. The wreck now lies less than a mile from another wreck, that of the longliner Hong Jinwhich hit Uranie Rock around five years ago. The alarm was raised on Tuesday when the Hwa Jaan 16grounded at 4.45am. Launches headed to the area and collected the crew from their life rafts and brought them to FIPASS in Stanley, from where they were taken to the Seamen's Mission. The ship sank around six hours later. Environmental implications? The jigger had approximately 60 tonnes of marine gas oil on board when it sank. Marine officer, Jon Clark, visited the site on Wednesday to check for pollution. A search was made close inshore and further offshore from the north end of Volunteer Beach southward, around Volunteer Rocks and the entrance to Volunteer Lagoon. He reported, "No sign of any oil whatsoever was evident in these areas." On Tuesday a sheen was seen spreading up to five miles north of the wreck site, most of which spilled before the vessel sank. This, Mr Clark said on Wednesday, had completely disappeared. "It appears that the tide which can run at up to four knots at springs (which we have at the moment) is assisting in dispersing the oil." Now that the vessel has sunk in 50+ metres of depth, hydrostatic pressure should provide a reasonably controlled leaching of any further oil, Mr Clark said, "...which with the tide and a return to our usual wind velocities should disperse fairly quickly without appreciable environmental damage." Director of Falklands Conservation, Grant Munro, agreed. He commented, "Any time there is a leak there is cause for concern, but from the reports we've received and due to the time of year, the risk is probably minimal at the moment. "It's something to keep an eye on." The rock There is a gap of around 0.4 nautical miles between Uranie Rock and the nearest of the Volunteer Rocks and the deepest part of the gap is charted at 13.1m. Mr Clark said that although it was "flat calm" on Wednesday morning there was a swell running and it was just possible to see a slight eddy or water disturbance over Uranie Rock. "In a big sea it might even break the surface, but would probably not be noticed anyway." It has caught out a number of ships, he said, because, "...vessels do not give it sufficient clearance and do not constantly monitor their vessel's position closely enough." Terminal talk THE terminals for the proposed new ferry service across Falkland Sound are to be discussed by the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) on Tuesday. Members of the committee met with the proposed service provider, Workboat Services Ltd, and other interested parties last week. A proposal to use Port Howard jetty for the West Falkland terminal is expected to be presented to the TAC meeting. If this is agreed, the matter will then have to be considered by Executive Council and Standing Finance Committee before proceeding. The owners of Port Howard Farm, Myles and Critta Lee, last month said they welcome the development of the ferry, "...no matter where the location." Also planned for Tuesday's meeting is the election of a new Camp representative on the committee. Applications for the position have been received from Philip Miller, Trudi McPhee, Gerald Cheek, Neil Rowlands and Alan Cruickshank. Her Majesty's day THE Falklands celebrates the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen tomorrow. To mark the occasion, a parade will take place at Victory Green. (See page 14 for timings.) Monday will be a public holiday, in lieu of April 21. All government departments (other than those providing essential services) will be closed. Public meeting planned COUNCILLORS will be holding a public meeting on Tuesday, April 24 at 5pm in the Court and Council Chambers, Town Hall. Inside Penguin News Centre pages:RBA Sheep Show Page 8:Infant and Junior School swimming gala Page 7:Your letters Page 5:Cadets Challenge