According to TheStarOnline, the EIA report on the Integrated Shrimp Aquaculture Park (iSHARP) in Penarik, near Setiu, was posted on the Department of Environment website (http://gis.doe.gov.my) yesterday.
Though the report was supportive of the project provided some measures were put in place to protect the environment, one tour operator based here has expressed his concern that the Setiu wetlands may be damaged, says TheStarOnline.
Alex Lee, who operates Ping Anchorage Travel and Tours, said the wetlands are known for migratory birds, honey bees, gelam trees and critically endangered river terrapins (Batagur baska) and painted terrapin (callagur borneoensis) are found in Sg Caluk while green turtles (Chalonia mydas) and the Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivaceae) nest in Kg Kuala Setiu Baharu, close to the project site.
He told the news organisation that there There is potential for eco-tourism in the area which is getting popular. Locals have also replanted the area with mangrove and nipah trees.
However, the report said “the development of iSHARP would be a significant boost to the shrimp production capacity of Malaysia and augur well for the Government’s objective to increase aquaculture production to supplement declining marine capture fisheries.
Proposal for 1,000ha Malaysian Shrimp Operation
KUALA TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA - Environmentalists have until 3 August to raise their objections to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report on the proposed 1,000ha shrimp farming project in Setiu.
