Key facts
- China's environment ministry is reviewing an environmental-impact report for a deepwater natural-gas project.
- The project is located in the South China Sea.
- Whale experts and environmental advocates claim the report inadequately assesses risks to sperm whales.
- Sperm whales are a nationally protected species in China.
- The waters near the project are used by sperm whales as a nursery area.
China's environment ministry has accepted an environmental-impact report for a significant deepwater natural-gas project in the South China Sea for review. However, whale experts and environmental advocates have raised concerns, stating that the report fails to adequately assess the potential risks to sperm whales. These whales are a nationally protected species and the waters in question serve as a crucial nursery area for them.