Tesco backs high-speed power boat race through wildlife haven

Tesco is being urged to withdraw sponsorship from a power boat race that threatens important marine wildlife off the west Wales coast.

The Round Britain Power Boat Race, involving 48 power boats, some travelling at speeds of 70mph and more, is due to arrive at Milford Haven on June 22nd. The following day the boats will race through the wildlife haven of the seas around the Pembrokeshire islands of Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm.

This has caused widespread anger amongst environmentalists, fearful of the considerable danger the boats pose to the whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea birds that populate the area.

Although it is doubtful that the race can be stopped at this stage, Friends of the Earth Cymru has written to the chief executive of Tesco calling on the company to withdraw its sponsorship of the race.

Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, Gordon James, said:

"At this time of year the seas off Pembrokeshire are teeming with porpoises, dolphins, seals and masses of breeding birds. Dozens of power boats racing at high speeds through the area could seriously harm and disturb wildlife. It will be extremely difficult to avoid collision with whales, dolphins and resting sea birds during such a high speed race.

"Tesco's policy on sustainable seafood sourcing is to be welcomed and includes conserving fish stocks, avoiding whaling and sealing, and supporting sustainable fishing methods. Yet the harm to marine wildlife threatened by this race seems completely at odds with this.

"No local bodies were consulted regarding the race route. There has been some recent correspondence with the race organisers, but concerns have still not been taken into account and it appears that, despite the widespread opposition, the race will go ahead with little concession to the likely disturbance to wildlife.

"We have asked Tesco to withdraw their sponsorship of this race due to the danger it poses to wildlife, and the massive disturbance it will cause to such an important marine environment."