the goan I network
VASCO
Describing the Sancoale Bay as a biodiversity hotspot, Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha has opposed any plans to set up a marina at Sancoale Bay.
Saldanha was speaking to reporters while reacting to media reports that the Investment Promotion Board (IPB) Sub-Committee is studying the feasibility of setting up marinas.
“I hope the sub-committee, appointed to study the feasibility of the proposed marinas, minutely studies the biodiversity component of Sancoale Bay and mentions the same in its report,” said Saldanha.
The MLA said Sancoale Bay has to be declared as a protected area as it is the only breeding ground for the Schedule IV Windowpane oysters in the whole of Asia.
“Thousands of villagers from the surrounding areas are seen at the Sancoale Bay, to avail of the different species of shellfish found at the Bay, as a source of their livelihood.”
“I am not against marinas, but I definitely oppose Sancoale Bay as a site for setting up a marina as it is a biodiversity hotspot. We cannot allow destruction of biodiversity and the livelihood of the local villagers who are dependent on the fishing activity at the Sancoale bay. I hope better sense prevails,” Saldanha added.
