(Barbados Today) Barbados’ generosity in allowing cruise ships to dock in its waters during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last year has resulted in significant damage to the island’s coral reefs.
This was detailed in a report prepared by the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES), which has estimated that around 3.8 million square metres of coral reef were damaged between March and September 2020.
Under the Coastal Zone Management Act damaging coral reefs is an offence and carries a fine of $300 per square meter.
The report was revealed to Barbados TODAY by Opposition Senator Crystal Drakes, who queried why Government had not yet made the findings public.
