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Ventimiglia councillors choked by seaweed
2009-12-19 19:27
At their last council meeting, the municipality of Ventimiglia revised their ruling on anchoring vessels in the sea area of Cap Mortola from the Balzi Rossi (Red Rocks) to the border with France and the mouth of the river Latte. The area is rich in seaweed, and is protected under strict laws adopted by the region of Liguria and ratified by Ventimiglia, which prevent boats bigger than 10 metres in length from anchoring there.
But two representatives of the centre-right majority on the council, Ascheri Gianni and Roberto D'Andrea, have won amendments to the current strict rules requiring boats to be fixed to buoys. In addition the law, which at the moment prohibits fishing of any kind - will be changed to allow amateur anglers and underwater fishermen to make use of the area (although it will still be closed to industrial fishing).
However, these discussions have raised anger in opposition circles, who feel that the idea of a protected marine zone has effectively been torpedoed. 'What's the point of making a protected area if anyone can enter it?' asked left-wing councillor Mauro Merlenghi (Nuova Ventimiglia). He has complained that 'petty private interests' that may now risk harming the environment.