Firth event to tackle plastic use

The conference will look at how to reduce plastic waste

Managing possible oil and gas development and tackling the threat to marine life from discarded plastic bags will be discussed at a conference.

The Moray Firth Partnership's annual event on 23 May will look at the latest moves on both onshore and offshore oil exploration.

Conservationists have expressed concerns about the potential impact on bottlenose dolphins.

There will also be an update on plans for a new town and marina at Whiteness.

Delegates will be invited to look at how the use of plastic bags can be reduced to cut rubbish levels on beaches and in the sea.

The Scottish Government has previously said oil and gas exploration should not take place in the firth until its potential impact on wildlife is fully assessed.

'Dolphin concern'

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead urged the UK Government to heed advice issued by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

It said further work must be done to assess the dolphin population.

Last month, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) handed over a petition, postcards and letters containing 18,000 signatures addressed to UK Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks.

The organisation also delivered a statement from 25 top scientific experts concerned for the future of the dolphins.

Oil & Gas UK, a representative body for the sector, has previously said the UK can benefit from the potential of natural resources of the Moray Firth while protecting its wildlife.

Operations director Paul Dymond said the industry was governed by strict regulations.

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