The Tribune

By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A LOCAL environmental advocacy group yesterday raised concerns about the suspected “filling in” of Bimini’s North Sound Lagoon, an area the group claimed has now become a “muddy mess.”

The Bimini Blue Coalition (BBC), via a post on its official Facebook page, said it believed Resorts World Bimini was behind the work.

However, Michelle Malcolm, RWB’s director of public affairs, denied the resort’s involvement with the alleged work in question. Rather, Ms Malcolm said the work was being conducted by RAV Bahamas, the Capo Group subsidiary that is the Bimini Bay Resort’s original developer.

The Tribune made numerous attempts to reach Rafael Reyes, RAV Bahamas’ vice-president, but was unsuccessful up to press time.

BBC’s allegations come as the group recently praised Environment Minister Kendred Dorsett for announcing 18 new marine protected areas (MPA’s) including southwest New Providence.

On the issue in Bimini, the group said: “They are currently filling in what was once one of the most biologically important areas of Bimini’s inshore habitats, directly adjacent to the (proposed) North Bimini Marine Reserve.

“Bonefish, lobster, conch, sea turtles, sharks, sawfish and more used to thrive in this exact area, which has now become a muddy mess.

“There is no effort being made to contain the destructive silt from this work, or diminish the damage to Bimini’s resources.”

When contacted yesterday, Ms Malcolm told The Tribune: “The works you are referring to are not on our property and are being conducted by RAV Bahamas.”

She subsequently referred this newspaper to contact Mr Reyes for additional information.

According to a statement from BBC, the new southwest New Providence marine protected area will encompass the waters off Clifton Bay and further south, an area that has been plagued with oil leaks that have left divers, snorkelers and researchers covered in oil when getting out of the water.

The group said that the creation of the new MPAs is part of a bid to preserve 20 per cent of near shore environment by the year 2020, an international goal that includes deep-sea habitats, coastal waters and the continental shelf.