Deac in the Wake
Contributor
One of the things that has always struck me about the Caymans is the paradox between the strict environmental laws and visible enforcement and the complete lack of respect and concern in some areas for that very same environment. Forget the entire history of turtling which by most estimates decimated turtle populations by over 95% and the recent ridiculous complaints about iguanas disturbing tourists along 7 Mile Beach.
The situation of Stingray City has always bothered me. On the one hand, you get exposure to a tiny population of stingrays who have become used to human interaction and feeding over the last 40-50 years. Few if any other places in the world provide an opportunity to interact with these wonderful creatures like Stingray City.
On the other hand, it's increasing wildlife dependency on humans at best and marine animal harassment at worst. Look don't touch and leave only bubbles are fading whispers in Stingray City.
So now I read that the Liquor Licensing Board has approved an initial plan to have a vessel basically anchored/moored at Stingray City to serve alcohol.
I see dollar-signs (as in CI$) getting the primary consideration and the environment again coming in last. Despite the "rules" and "regulations" they will stipulate, if this truly comes to pass, I see trash in the Sound; drunken tourists harassing stingrays; and any number of accidents involving intoxicated snorklers, divers, and boats.
I sure hope I'm overstating it and expecting the worst-case scenario. But my experience tells me that when it comes to people and oceans, "worst case" is often the prevailing condition.
The situation of Stingray City has always bothered me. On the one hand, you get exposure to a tiny population of stingrays who have become used to human interaction and feeding over the last 40-50 years. Few if any other places in the world provide an opportunity to interact with these wonderful creatures like Stingray City.
On the other hand, it's increasing wildlife dependency on humans at best and marine animal harassment at worst. Look don't touch and leave only bubbles are fading whispers in Stingray City.
So now I read that the Liquor Licensing Board has approved an initial plan to have a vessel basically anchored/moored at Stingray City to serve alcohol.
I see dollar-signs (as in CI$) getting the primary consideration and the environment again coming in last. Despite the "rules" and "regulations" they will stipulate, if this truly comes to pass, I see trash in the Sound; drunken tourists harassing stingrays; and any number of accidents involving intoxicated snorklers, divers, and boats.
I sure hope I'm overstating it and expecting the worst-case scenario. But my experience tells me that when it comes to people and oceans, "worst case" is often the prevailing condition.