Taken from Bahamasislandsinfo
In what could be considered a double positive twist in the prolonged controversy over a proposed purse seine tuna fishing and aquaculture venture by two Grand Bahamians, sources have revealed that opponents to that venture can celebrate a victory.
Informed sources close to the situation have revealed to BahamaIslandsInfo.com that the purse seine net itself has been offloaded from the Pelagic I commercial fishing vessel and repacked in a storage container.
Pelagic I is the 100-foot ship owned by brothers David and Paul Mellor and was the central component in their Bahamas Pelagic Fisheries and Aquaculture business. The Mellors mounted an intensive effort to explain to the public that their goals were genuinely intended to create a new industry and opportunity for increased employment.
The Mellors participated in a March 1st town meeting hosted by the Bahamas National Trust at their Rand Nature Centre in Freeport. At that meeting, experts in sportsfishing, scuba diving and science, as well as the Mellors themselves, presented their views on the commercial fishing and aquaculture plans.
Hundreds of local residents turned out, packing the hall, expressing concerns, and challenging the validity and viability of the Mellor's venture. A handful of attendees stated their support of the planned operation, emphasizing the need for increased employment opportunities.
Opposition to the plans were significant, including an online petition, letters sent to the Prime Minister and relevant Government ministers, as well as a Facebook page that has grown to more than 4,000 members from around the world.
Sources told BahamaIslandsInfo.com this week that, not only has the purse seine net been hauled off the ship, but that the Mellors are retrofitting the craft to accommodate large tanks that can store and transport waste oil.
Read the full article HERE
