Kangaroo Island Dolphin Watch has weighed in to the Swim With Tuna debate.
The tourism proposal by businesswoman Emma Forster is awaiting licensing approval from PIRSA and the proposed platform and ring is now in Boston Bay, Port Lincoln, for testing.
Ms Forster has said the business could go ahead by mid-2011 at Point Morrison.
Dolphin Watch co-coordinator Tony Bartram said it was wrong to suggest the proposal was a fait accompli.
“There are more than 90 submissions lodged with PIRSA requiring months of work and consideration,†Mr. Bartram said.
He said the site for the tourism venture had effectively been presented as a “wasteland†that required redemption by human effort for economic gain.
“Nothing could be further from the truth,†Mr. Bartram said. “During recent field survey work, community volunteers of Kangaroo Island Dolphin Watch collected significant data to warrant protection of this precious marine environment.â€
On all occasions dolphins with calves and juveniles, and seabirds had been feeding in the area. Endangered species including resident white-bellied sea eagles and Australian sealions were frequently observed on the site. Dolphin females and calves from Pelican Lagoon and Hog Bay had been observed travelling through the site.
“Unencumbered safe movement is essential for maintaining genetic biodiversity for these animals, which are a vulnerable species deemed data-deficient on international lists. Migratory species including black-browed albatross and giant petrels feed regularly on the site during their long distance travels. Avian experts have highlighted the importance of this area.â€
“Changes to this pristine marine environment due to a development of this nature would impact detrimentally through pollution, nutrient outfall, increased shark activity impairing marine mammal movement and safety, possible entanglements and disturbance through increased regular boating activity,†Mr. Bartram said.
