Cruise ships may be damaging reefs

Preliminary investigations indicate some damage may have been done to Barbados’ coral reefs by the cruise ships which are being given safe haven during the COVID-19 crisis.

However, as Government awaits a final report from the Coastal Zone Management Unit on the findings of the divers who carried out the reef investigations, Minister of Maritime Affairs Kirk Humphrey said in the interim he had “spoken to the principals of the major cruise lines about the possibility of damage to the reef and we have agreed to proceed in a spirit of partnership to address any concerns.”

Humphrey told the NATION yesterday the ships were anchored “at strategic points across the island after consultation with the Bridgetown Port and Coastal Zone Management.”

He added at one point there were as many as 15 ships anchored in Barbados’ waters and pointed out they were continuously monitored by the Coast Guard “to ensure the ships were in the locations assigned.” (GC)

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