MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News update

<i>Photo: J Robbins</i>

Headlines: An avian checkup; Smoking ban moves closer; Mine clearance: Britain explores its options; 'Encouraging' outlook for illex season.

An avian checkupMarcela Uhart and Flavio Quintana take a blood sample from a black-browed albatross as part of their work monitoring the health status of wildlife around the world. Story on page 3. Smoking ban moves closerA BAN on smoking in public places now looks more likely than ever, after the issuing of a number of policy directions by Executive Council (ExCo). However, no time frame has yet been set for the implementation of a ban. The policy directions were agreed following the final report of the Working Group which was set up to look at the possible prohibition of smoking in public places. ExCo directed that legal prohibition of smoking in enclosed public places should be made and that the prohibition should not be restricted to only places where food is served. An exemption might be made for premises that are ownedoperated by clubs and associations, providing that members voted by a two thirds majority in favour of an exemption and that there were no paid employees. The prohibition would be extended to working places that were not public places with minimal exceptions - these would be for shearing sheds, garages and warehouses and for sheltered housing (which comes under the definition of enclosed workplace under definition). Smoking would be prohibited in vehicles that were used for fare paying passengers such as taxis, private hire vehicles or any other public service vehicle. Free smoking cessation aids should be provided by the government, ExCo directed, and cessation support and clinics would be provided through an additional member of staff in the medical department. It was proposed that the cost of this cessation support and enforcement would be met by an increase in duty on the importation of tobacco - this will be referred to the Budget Select Committee. Finally, the Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education (DARE) programme will be introduced into the Community School. Back in September 2006, Councillor Andrea Clausen was a supporter of the motion in Legislative Council which called for consideration of practical details with a view to the implementation of a ban. This week she said the policy directions had gone "a long way" to delivering a ban: "It could have gone further, but we have to apply common sense to life." Mine clearance: Britain explores its optionsTHE British government is considering options for land mine clearance in the Falklands. Baroness Crawley told the House of Lords this week that clearance would be "challenging but technically possible." The UK is a state party to the Ottawa convention and is committed to destroying all mines in areas under its jurisdiction. Lady Crawley said that following the completion of a joint British/Argentine feasibility study, the UK is now considering its options before deciding on its next steps. The study would be put in front of ministers shortly, she added. The process would be costly although a budget had not yet been finalised, she said: "There is no beating around the bush: this will be expensive - we are talking about a lot of ordnance. There are also environmental issues that the Falklanders are concerned about." Many Islanders feel the money for the de-mining would be better spent elsewhere, in places in which mines posed a humanitarian risk, however Councillor John Birmingham said he and his colleagues would not be actively lobbying to prevent the work being carried out. He commented: "The views of Islanders are well known to the UK government - councillors have always worked closely with HMG on this." 'Encouraging' outlook for illex seasonINTEREST in illex licences for the season beginning in February has been described as "modest" by the Director of Fisheries. John Barton told Penguin Newsthere were some reports of reasonable catches on the high seas, and the oceanographic situation around the Falklands was looking "encouraging". Last week it was announced that the future of the fishery patrol vessel Doradawas looking uncertain however Mr Barton said there would be a patrol ship in operation for the illex season. He commented: "I am confident that fisheries protection arrangements for the forthcoming season will be acceptable. Negotiations in relation to this are ongoing."