Niet boren op het Friese Front!

In July 1991 Greenpeace attracted the attention of the general public to an area in the Dutch sector of the North Sea, by anchoring their vessel ’Solo’ on the presumed spot where the Dutch Gas Company intended to start drilling operations. Greenpeace considers the area, the ’Frisian Front’ as a location that is eligable for special protection, because of the wealth of marine life. This is in direct conflict with the intended drilling, that is likely to pollute the water and the bottom around the platform(s). Also the ever-present possibility of a blow-out should not be ignored in such a sensitive area. Moreover, the important problem of the global climatic changes resulting from the ever increasing energy demands should be considered when exploring for gas in sensitive areas. It is concluded that the precautionary principle should be applied when drilling in the Frisian Front is considered. This means that at present, the disadvantages and uncertainties outweigh the presumed advantages of starting operations in the area, and that no drilling should take place.