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DOE Confirms Norwegian Cruise Line Damages Reef
Thu, March 26, 2015
Norwegian Cruise Lines is under scrutiny tonight for damaging a reef structure at its Harvest Caye cruise terminal site - two miles south of Placencia village. Pictures show that they have dumped rocks on live corals - reportedly in their effort to lay the groundwork for an artificial beach. Placencia based Marine biologist Lisa Carne reports that huge chunks of natural boulders and concrete were dumped on top of live coral. It damaged the coral structures which is illegal and alarming. Responding to public pressure, the Department of environment today sent out a tepid and terse release saying that on February 18th 2015, DOE personnel saw a structure being built near a patch reef in the vicinity of Harvest Caye. They issued a verbal stop order immediately and returned to conduct a coral damage assessment of the patch reef.

Investigations have revealed that there were impacts to the patch reef as a direct result of the construction. The damage assessment has also determined the extent of impact to the reef, for which the DOE and the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries & Sustainable Development have been quote, "working with the responsible party for a closure on this matter."

So, is that a major fine? Well, the DOE says further release of details about this case has been withheld due to legal implications.

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