'Scientists' giving wrong impression of golf course
Issue date: 4/18/07 Section: Letters to the Editor
TO THE EDITOR:
In response to Tuesday's article, "Donor attracts flak for plans," I am a scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and professor at Pace University. My specialty is coral physiology, pathology and health.
I agree with Dr. Goreau that this golf course will kill the remaining reef at this location. I want to say that this is the worst project I have ever seen. We want it documented for the record that there are no environmental mitigation controls that can protect the reef from the Bakers Bay development.
Don't let these scientists, who work for the developers, trick you. These so called "protective measures" won't work! It is an embarrassment to say that "sand dunes" can control the nitrogen and phosphorus from trickling into the ground water and into the water column along the intertidal.
My work is dedicated to understanding the sensitivity and delicate symbiosis between coral and its symbiont, and I can say that even with these so called protective measures they are telling you about, their project will kill the reef with the overgrowth of algae that will smother the corals coupled with serious infections.
I am open to a debate with these so called scientists who say this project will not kill the coral.
James M. Cervino
Professor
Biology
In response to Tuesday's article, "Donor attracts flak for plans," I am a scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and professor at Pace University. My specialty is coral physiology, pathology and health.
I agree with Dr. Goreau that this golf course will kill the remaining reef at this location. I want to say that this is the worst project I have ever seen. We want it documented for the record that there are no environmental mitigation controls that can protect the reef from the Bakers Bay development.
Don't let these scientists, who work for the developers, trick you. These so called "protective measures" won't work! It is an embarrassment to say that "sand dunes" can control the nitrogen and phosphorus from trickling into the ground water and into the water column along the intertidal.
My work is dedicated to understanding the sensitivity and delicate symbiosis between coral and its symbiont, and I can say that even with these so called protective measures they are telling you about, their project will kill the reef with the overgrowth of algae that will smother the corals coupled with serious infections.
I am open to a debate with these so called scientists who say this project will not kill the coral.
James M. Cervino
Professor
Biology
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Marie
posted 4/18/07 @ 8:55 AM EST
There is a wonderful website that covers this issue in Guana for anybody who is interested. This site is NOT spam. It is an online travel documentary site : http://www. (Continued…)
DSC
posted 4/18/07 @ 5:00 PM EST
Another website to review is www.saveguanacayreef.com on the homepage you can download reports by renown scientists: Cervino, Goreau, and Mike Risk. The facts and well-educated opinions are there for all to see. (Continued…)
E. LaFitte
posted 4/18/07 @ 5:14 PM EST
I'd like to point out that the Sierra Club has publicly voiced concern over the extensive environmental damage being caused by the Bakers Bay development as well as Mr. (Continued…)
caroline
caroline
posted 4/19/07 @ 9:59 PM EST
though the bakers bay development on guana cay has some.. opposition it is not opposed by all the islanders ..in fact many abaconians are working for the company. (Continued…)
Marie
posted 4/21/07 @ 6:40 AM EST
There are only 2 or 3 actual islanders working there. Rest are Americans or imported workers that recieve way less than an acceptable wage. Many are very unhappy and there have been protests and walkouts. (Continued…)
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