News reaches us
that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Maritime Economy plans to detonate
explosive underwater in the region of Sal Rei during April, May, June, July
& August. This is to complete works
to improve the harbour which is already two year behind schedule.
Unfortunately
these months are highly sensitive since there are breeding humpbacks in the
area as well as nesting turtles for the last three months of the planned
activities.
The waters around
Boa Vista, including areas close to the blast site comprise the single most
important breeding location known to a small and threatened population of
humpback whales. In the opinion of many
expert scientists, this blasting is likely to cause injury and possibly death
to the adults and calves.
In addition, this
blasting is likely to affect loggerhead turtles which will be mating in the sea
at this time and will come ashore from June onwards to lay their eggs.
The area is also
close to popular dive sites.
The income
derived from the ecotourism that has been developed around both of these
animals and the diving may also suffer.
The
scientists, who include Conor Ryan, who has just published a paper entitled “Breeding habitat of
poorly studied humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Boa Vista,
Cape Verde”, (attached below) have
written to the Ministry to express their concern.
The Caboverdean government is a signatory of
the Convention of Migratory Species which is designed to protect these animals.
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