We find it appalling that a top tourism attraction is, more than likely, destroying another of our tourism attractions – our coral reefs.
We’ve all been told time and time again that our coral reefs are in danger.
Three years ago a problem with the waste water discharge from the Cayman Islands Turtle Farm was identified. A two-year discharge permit was given, but it expired last year without the farm meeting effluent discharge reduction goals.
We should expect, and demand, better.
Effluent is a nice word to describe all of the discharge that flows from the farm – waste water, regular water, food, soil, dust; just about anything that can get into a water system.
That effluent has the capability of destroying the very coral that draws many of our diving and snorkelling tourists to our shores.
In 2008 then Complaints Commissioner John Epp raised the flag, drawing attention to the fact that the Turtle Farm was not being compliant. Even the former managing director and its acting managing director acknowledged the omission.
Even the Department of Environment weighed in at the time, saying there was evidence of coral damage around the Turtle Farm.
To say that a solution to this problem is too costly is unacceptable. There has to be more than one solution; and one that doesn’t involve fouling the air.
It is up to each of us to make sure that we, on top of the earth, use our natural and man-made resources responsibly to ensure our waste isn’t getting into the sea.
Once a reef is severely damaged, the rest of the ecosystem suffers and the entire habitat may become unattractive.
Unfortunately coral reef damage isn’t unique to the Cayman Islands; it’s happening worldwide.
Coral isn’t just a tourist attraction. It’s the basis of our existence.
It’s a shame that the producer of our native dish is also causing damage to our reef system and, eventually, our tourism trade.
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