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Save the last 130

Campaign Update: Decision to build 3rd platform postponed

In May 2012 WWF learnt that Sakhalin Energy, who manage the Sakhalin 2 project, have postponed the decision to build a 3rd platform near the vital feeding ground of the endangered western gray whale until 2014.

Obviously, we would prefer the proposal for this platform to be totally abandoned, however, for the moment, it has been kicked into the long grass.

In the meantime, WWF will continue to keep pushing for stronger conservation measures to protect the western gray whales, and attending advisory panel meetings regarding these whales to voice our concerns.

Read Lucy's blog to find out more.

Why a third oil platform could push the western gray whale to extinction.

With probably fewer than 130 of the critically endangered whales left – and only 26 breeding females – the situation is urgent.

Losing just one or two females each year could push them to extinction.

What are the risks?

• Seismic surveys – designed to find out the best location for a platform – will emit loud sound blasts, threatening to drive the whales from their feeding grounds
• Increased likelihood of oil spills
• Collisions with ships
• Chemical pollution

Although Sakhalin Energy have postponed the decision to build a third platform right next to their most important feeding ground, we will need to keep an eye on this project, to ensure it doesn't re-surface in the future.

Thanks to Mr Scruff for his support for the last130 campaign