The Tribune

The Bimini Blue Coalition has enlisted eight scientists to bolster its Judicial Review claims and provide what it considers “a better plan for Bimini”.

The non-profit group, a partner of the rapidly growing environmental movement, Save the Bays, is bringing on board respected academics with intimate knowledge of Bimini’s fragile ecosystem.

The Coalition said each of the scientists is volunteering, and together, they are willing to advise on sustainable alternatives and potential impacts from the current plans for the North Bimini Ferry Terminal project, led by the Genting Group.

In the meantime, Genting is being photographed, videotaped and monitored by the Coalition as it moves forward with a 1,000-foot pier and 4.5 acre island to accommodate cruise ships from nearby Florida.

The eight scientists whohave joined forces with Bimini Blue Coalition include Dr Kristine Stump, Dr Craig O’Connell, Dr Demian Chapman, Dr Eric Stroud, Dr Bryan Franks, Dr R. Dean Grubbs and others.

Dr Stump, a lead researcher at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, literally wrote the book on large-scale development in Bimini and its impact on the environment when she submitted her thesis after the initial development that changed Bimini’s eco-system, Bimini Bay Resort, was created. That development has since been taken over by Genting.

Dr Stump’s thesis dealt directly with the impact of Bimini Bay Resort on the island’s inshore marine ecosystems. Now, she fears the environmental damage will be even greater.

“On the other side of the narrow spit of land that separates the lagoon from the ocean, Bimini’s world famous coral reefs are threatened by the same resort’s highly destructive construction plans,” she said.

“As the only such habitat on the western edge of the Great Bahama Bank, Bimini’s coral reefs are not only home to several critically endangered species of coral, but they are also potentially important to the overall health of other reefs in the Bahamas.”

Dr Stump added that in the past up to half the lagoon’s mangrove shores have suffered from deforestation.

The result, she explained, has been “significant declines” in several fish species, nursery habitats and decreases in the growth and survival of juvenile lemon sharks.

She also echoed the concerns of a recent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), noting that these natural resources are essentially the “foundation” of the island’s tourism industry.

“It is incredibly important to preserve these fragile natural resources, as they are what bring visitors to the island in the first place,” she added.

The long-awaited Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), released last month, ignited further controversy regarding the rising mega resort.

Critics have blasted the Government for allowing construction to begin in the first place before the release of the document, which subsequently revealed major concerns for the environment and the suitability of such a large project for the island.

Resorts World Bimini has insisted that it is sensitive to the environment and its development will bolster Bimini’s economy.

The controversy once again surfaced this week when attorneys representing the Bimini Blue Coalition won leave to apply for a Judicial Review of the ferry terminal project.

Attorneys have made a “discovery” request for all permits, approvals, leases and licenses associated with the development.