St. Lucia (Press Release) – Marine pollution is an issue of major concern to regional tourism industry stakeholders and the matter has necessitated the commissioning of a consultative report to
better address this crucial situation.
The report conducted by St Lucian marine consultant, Cuthbert Didier, provides comprehensive detail on the myriad of oceanic hazards that has to be dealt with urgently to sustain livelihoods in the ever-developing ‘Blue Economy’.
The new report proposes several recommendations to address marine pollution from pleasure vessels, notably yachts and tourism centres in the Caribbean islands, and including Jamaica.
Citing increasing economic prospects in store for the marine industry, how significant is the timing of this report / and for further implementation of the recommendations?
“The timing is perfect, in that it was right during Covid and several countries of the Eastern Caribbean and most of the islands involved in the study, their borders were closed so there
was a reduction in traffic,” Didier explained.
“And it was seen firsthand the improvement in the water quality. But, more importantly, the study really highlights the need for pristine, clear, unpolluted waters if they want to
develop the yachting product and really maximize it, in terms of the economic value,” he added.
Heavy emphasis is focused on the ‘black water’ problem – a global issue negatively impacting the industry. Notably, the report seeks to help establish the development of a public- private partnership to reduce marine pollution from such vessels and tourism centres.
