Tour operators have voiced fears of the destruction of coral reefs and seaweed beds as Atlantis makes plans for its Athol Island development.
Several maritime tour operators have voiced their concerns over the reported development of a golf course because there may be grave environmental impacts on areas they frequently visit.
According to Charlie Lightbourn of Crystal Lady Cruises, the Bahamas government has deemed an area called the Sea Gardens, which lie south of the island, inalienable. He said that despite best efforts to protect the coral reefs when construction begins, dredging and soot would destroy them.
"Why should a Bahamian be denied the opportunity to clean up the reefs and preserve them, and investors he given permission to destroy it?" said Mr Lightbourn.
A representative from Atlantis' Development Department told The Tribune yesterday that they plan to fill in about 36 acres of the bay on the south side of the island, but are still waiting for an approval on their design from the Bahamas Environmental Science and Technology Commission. He also said that he is positive that the deal will go through, and that when it does construction will begin immediately.
Sam Duncombe, spokeswoman for the environmental group ReEarth said that the government focuses more on the positive economic impact and ignore the effect on people's lives with regard to the environment.
"Whatever they do at Athol island, I don't care how green going to be, there is going to he run off, there is going to be seepage into the sea and that's going to affect what living coral there is. It's exactly the same argument that Gauna Cay is having now, with a golf course being built with a coral reef 50 feet off the beach." said Ms Duncombe.
A number of the maritime tour operators and environmentalist agree that the reefs are already being destroyed with the ongoing construction. on Paradise Island, and that with the government's plan to move the Bay Street shipping facilities, dredging will cause even more harm to the sensitive coral reefs.
Reports have also surfaced that sand from the dredging for container ship slips at Clifton Pier will be used as fill for the Athol island project, but none of the reports could be substantiated.
By CHESTER ROBARDS, The Tribune
