Dear Editor,
A few clarification comments are in order as to the Friends of Mannion Bay (FMB) long held belief the Bay should be “cleaned up”. First, as to the nickname(s) Pooh Bay and Junk Bay; these are not names created/suggested by me or any other FMB member, they are names that were brought to our attention by community members and/or tourists who previously liked to use the Bay, however, in its present condition they choose not to. If the perception others have of the Bay causes them to use these derogatory nicknames, a “clean-up” is indeed very much in order and long overdue.
Notwithstanding the controversy over the coliform counts and cause for the variations in same, the FMB have never suggested the sole cause was live-aboards, however, we do believe they are likely part of the problem, more so in the past before the marine pump-out station at Union Steamship Marina became operational during the past couple of years. Sewage/septic waste are but one concern from live-aboards and to an equal degree some of the long stay anchorages with all the attendant problems they have created over the years. The Friends of Mannion Bay welcome a more thorough study of the sewage issue.
The proposed clean-up goes beyond “sewage” issues. Unfortunately self-policing has failed miserably over the past 10-20 years, hence, the need for BIM’s 5-step Mannion Bay Management Strategy. Had self-policing worked, the property taxpayers would not have been subjected to the costs some have complained about to date. To that issue, in wanting to be a part of the solution the FMB to date have raised $4,025 and are committed to making a further conscientious effort to raise more in order to reduce the financial burden on property owners/local property taxpayers.
Yours truly,
Bruce Russell
