PROTESTORS have assembled at Whitehaven harbour to protest against planned 'seismic testing' in the area - which they say will destroy marine life and could harm whales and dolphins.

The group are concerned about so-called 'marine geophysical surveys' which would precede the siting of nuclear waste dumps in Copeland.

The group held their protest alongside World Ocean Day and are concerned what the testing might do to marine life and aquatic habitats.

The group met at the harbourside on Thursday and headed towards Copeland Borough Council offices to hand in a petition in an attempt to put a stop to the testing. 

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Mark Rice, a protestor at the event, said: "Our protest is against the seismic testing that is set to take place in the Irish Sea.

"We're concerned that the plans could destroy a lot of marine life and how it could harm mammals like whales and dolphins. It could also cause harm to smaller animals like crabs and lobsters. 

"We're hoping that people will listen to us and realise that we don't want this nuclear site put into the sea and we want them to stop doing seismic testing."

A number of protestors attended the event at Whitehaven to share their concerns and have their voices heard. 

Nuclear Free Local Authorities provided a comment from Cllr David Blackburn, chair of the NFLA's Steering Committee.

He said: "We do not believe this testing is being carried out for 'scientific research'; the real reason for it is to facilitate the planning of a future undersea nuclear dump."

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GDF means geological disposal facility - a secure site where nuclear waste slowly decays.

A joint statement was issued by Mark Cullinan, chair of the Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership, and Ged McGrath, chair of the South Copeland GDF Community Partnership: "The Mid and South Copeland GDF Community Partnerships welcome all feedback and involvement in the GDF process.

"The Partnerships acknowledge that there has been some local debate around the subject of marine geophysical surveys, commissioned by the GDF developer.

"The surveys are an essential part of the investigative work being undertaken by the GDF developer to determine whether locations within Mid or South Copeland could be suitable to host a Geological Disposal Facility.

"We will continue to work with all Community Partnership members and the public throughout this GDF process."

A spokesperson from the GDF added: "Deep geology beyond the coast is being considered for siting the underground elements of a GDF.

"This means a surface facility on, or near, the coast would provide access to a disposal area deep in rock beyond the coast.

"If a suitable site is found in Copeland – a decision which could take 10-15 years – a Test of Public Support to give people a direct say would be held with those living in the wards affected.

"Without public support the project would not go ahead."

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A Nuclear Waste Services spokesperson also commented: "We welcome and encourage constructive and peaceful dialogue with all who are interested in learning about the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) process, especially through engagement with the Community Partnerships.

"The survey off the coast of Copeland will provide critical information which will enable us to better understand whether a location could host a GDF and in turn help inform ongoing discussions with communities.”

"We are committed to environmental protection in all that we do and are actively working to minimise any harmful impact of these surveys on marine life by following all relevant UK guidance and laws.

"The marine geophysical survey will use the same technology that is routinely deployed world-wide in the offshore wind industry."