Ms Attracta U? Bhroin:

I will call on colleagues to support me in answering. This is a really interesting discussion, particularly in the context of the controversy over the changes enacted just before Christmas through the Planning and Foreshore and Development (Amendment) Act. We, too, have concerns about the airspace definition and the application in head 3, for example. Head 3(1)(c) refers to "The airspace above the area of application set out in subsections (1)(a) and (1)(b) of this section in respect of birds, bats and any other flying animal using that space". As my colleague Mr. Lyne will advocate clearly, whales use the airspace. It is an essential resting space when they come to the surface of the sea to breathe. It is a fundamental part of their ability to survive, so the application is inadequate from our point of view. The need to protect the airspace is particularly important.

There were some very interesting considerations in Professor Crowe's report on expanding marine networks, not just with respect to marine protected areas for habitats and species but also to certain characteristics of the marine area such as, for example, quiet spaces and dark spaces. Noise can have profound effects on biodiversity. Seismic surveying can kill krill, which members will know are the foundation stone of the whole food chain in the seas. Therefore, protecting areas from noise, be it from overflight or activity within the waters or water column, can be particularly important. It is a case of determining what needs to be protected and of appropriate incorporation. There should be flexibility to allow for that. I certainly would not be for ruling it out entirely. Mr. Lyne, in particular, might want to add to that.