Seismological Research Project Has Been Postponed!

Wednesday, July 23, 2003
VICTORIA -- According to George Spence, the lead scientist for this project at UVIC, the CASSIS project is now postponed for this summer. They are hoping to carry it out next summer but need to present more information regarding the project to the government and public prior to it going ahead.

DFO recommended to Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) that the CASSIS project be postponed to protect marine mammals. As of this morning Ralph Currie, head of the Pacific Geoscience Centre, assigned to draw up the Environmental Assessment, said "There has been significant concern raised by members of the public and NGOs (non-governmental organizations)." The project was being rescheduled to allow time for more thorough examination of potential effects. The most likely reschedule will be to next year. We expect official word soon. The decision whether or not to continue with the research proposal will likely be made by September.

Nevertheless, it is still a good idea for scientists and the public to keep a close eye on this project and to request participation in the process for next year.

The whales, fish, birds and turtles are safe from the this project for at least another year. We have a variety of scientists and many concerned citizens on both sides of the border to thank for their prompt action, as well as several TV, radio and newspaper media who saw the danger in this project and allowed these serious questions to be broadcast.