Feeding trails exposed at low tide at the Merambong Sea Grass Meadow (pic source: MNS Johor)
Seahorse feed on the sea grass. Other inhabitants of the area.
So, what is all the fuss about?
Bilateral relations is very important. Economic development. Foreign investment. All are positive aspects of economic growth. Thumbs up to that.
But what about environmental protection?
The Straits of Johor experiences an abundance of fishes and shrimps during seasons when there are marine "visitors" from the Malacca Straits. In the months of October to January, for instance, there will be large numbers of penaeid prawns caught.
It is also the foraging grounds of the sea-cow or dugong, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle and the Common Bottle-nosed Dolphin. Also found here are the seahorse, chocolate chip starfish and carpet anemone.
Not only is the reclamation works posing a threat to the seahorse and all other enchanting marine life here, there will repercussions in years to come as the water quality in the Straits is affected when all the pollutants pile up due to impeded water flow rate and inadequate flushing. With a big chunk of land blocking the water flow, there could be flash floods wreaking untold damages in the sea and land.
Is Country Gardens to be blamed for this? I don't think so. They were given the green light, so they proceeded with their mega investment plan. I don't think the Chinese-based developer was aware about the sea grass being an Environmentally Sensitive Area.
Now what? Will the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) please say or do something about this?
Please. Please. Please. Before it is too late.
Ehh.... I don't think IRDA is in charge of this. It is under the Johor Baru City Council.
ReplyDeleteThey always push here. Push there. Wasting taxpayers' money.
ReplyDelete