Question reference: S5W-08657
- Asked by: Maree Todd, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 4 April 2017
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Current status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 April 2017
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the environmental impact of military training exercises in Scottish waters on the welfare of whales and dolphins.
Answer
The Scottish Government has had no discussions with MoD regarding the possible environmental impacts of military training exercises. MoD have shared their most recent Joint Warrior 171 environmental impact assessment with us which was the subject of consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). This is also published during the exercise.
As a competent authority MoD have responsibility for undertaking appropriate environmental impact assessments, including possible impacts on whales and dolphins, under EU Directives.
All matters relating to the defence of the United Kingdom remain the direct responsibility of the UK Government. Naval exercises are therefore a reserved matter which falls within the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).