Divers Illegally Overcrowding Sipadan September 7, 2006
Posted by Andy Carroll in : Conservation, News , trackbackNow that the news about the accident at Sipadan involving a construction barge destroying a portion of coral has blown over, it seems that the local diving businesses are being criticised for taking too many divers to the island, endangering the sensitive environment. This from Underwater Times(who have copied it from somewhere but not provided the source);
This has led to friction between dive operators and Sabah Parks officials, resulting in divers being evicted for entering the area without proper permit, according to a recent consultant’s report.
Endless Pools
In January, the daily average of divers to the island was 141 and the number rose to 159 in February. It went up to an average of 219 a day in March, 235 in April and 201 in May.
The state government was trying to put a stop to divers entering Sipadan without permits, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat said after attending the 4th Sabah - Sarawak Environmental Convention 2006.
Comments»
no comments yet - be the first?