Ocean Friends Rally in Punta del Este Against Uruguayan Seismic Prospecting
In Punta del Este, Uruguay, environmental activists gathered to protest against seismic prospecting activities in the region. Members of the organization Amigos del Océano held a demonstration at Parada 1 on Mansa Beach to voice their concerns about the potential impact of these activities on marine life.
Concerns Over Seismic Prospecting
Julia Vilches, a prominent member of Amigos del Océano, emphasized the need for authorities to acknowledge public concerns. During an interview with FM GENTE, she articulated the primary goal of the protest. “We want them to realize this issue affects us all,” she stated, underscoring the collective plea from local residents and organizations.
Impact on Marine Life
The seismic prospecting involves controlled detonations under the ocean to survey the seabed for petroleum resources. Vilches highlighted the ecological risks associated with these methods, stating, “They are detonating the ocean to perform a marine ultrasound of the seabed.” She emphasized the lack of sufficient research on how this would affect local marine species.
- Protest location: Parada 1, Mansa Beach, Punta del Este
- Concerns raised regarding the impact on marine fauna
- Controlled detonations used for geological surveying
Call for Dialogue with Authorities
Vilches criticized the government’s lack of engagement with environmental concerns, mentioning that both local fishermen and various environmental organizations have sought dialogue with national authorities. They have repeatedly requested meetings with the President and the Minister but have not received a favorable response.
“We have been asking to meet with the President for over six months, and our requests have been denied,” she remarked. Additionally, Vilches noted that there will be an upcoming parliamentary discussion on the matter. An audience is scheduled for April 7 as part of a legal action initiated by environmentalists.
Next Steps
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 7 | Parliamentary audience regarding environmental concerns |
The voices of activists like Julia Vilches highlight the urgent need for discussions on the environmental implications of seismic prospecting in Uruguay. The community remains hopeful for change as they advocate for their marine environment.
