Halifax, Nova Scotia has created a stir in Atlantic waters recently. With talk of turning Sable Island into a National Park, many are concerned. Nestled 300 km’s southeast of Halifax into what was once known as the “graveyard of the Atlantic”, and regulated by the Canadian Coast Guard, Stable Island hosts less than 100 tourists yearly. With numbers this small, it may seem strange for environmentalists to worry about damaging the ecological integrity of the island.
Stable Island is known for its vulnerable, mystique beauty, and increasing the amount of green house gas emissions through motorboat transportation is the last thing this island needs. Currently, the island remains well protected from an influx of tourists. Interested tourists must apply to the Coast Guard for authorization to visit the island well in advance.
Advocates supporting the creation of turning Stable Island into a National Park argue that limits can be set on the number of tourists the island can sustain without damaging the environment. In recent years, a cruise ship found its way to Sable Island allowing its passengers to explore the island. No damage was done to the island and all that the passengers left were their footprints; however, some believe this is only the beginning to an influx of tourists to the island. Critics are worried that tourists will “love Sable Island to death” - a common worry regarding all National Parks.
Before officials make the final decision a task group has been ordered to asess the island and determine if the island would be fit to be a National Park. Results are expected by the end of next month. Once officials review the findings, the public will have an opportunity to voice their opinion as many already have.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/wild-horses-couldnt-keep-them-away/article1493334/
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