Construction of a proposed West End marina could prove to be an ecological disaster, according to Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST).The organisation said plans approved by Cabinet allow Cross Island Marina to be built on one of the richest environmental areas in the Island.The environmental watchdog yesterday expressed concern that proper environmental studies will not be carried out before construction begins.BEST chairman Stuart Hayward said in a release: “It is our understanding that Bermuda Water Consultants (BWC), the same firm that was contracted to conduct the Dockyard cruise pier environmental impact assessment (EIA), has been hired to produce an EIA for the proposed marina.“This is a highly questionable decision as....this firm [was] never made to account for their previously inadequate attempt at an EIA for the Dockyard cruise pier.”BEST claim that the lack of a proper EIA and the subsequent rush to complete the project, resulted in $30 million in cost overruns on the project.The Cross Island Marina, intended to be built between Dockyard’s South Basin and Ireland Island South, is expected to include nine acres of land reclamation, something BEST believe an environmental study would advise against.“In a 2009 mapping study by the Department of Conservation Services the Dockyard marine area, including the South Basin, was identified as having a species richness between nine and ten out of a scale of 11,” Mr Hayward said.“Only one section of the Island’s entire coastal region was found to be more environmentally sensitive.”Among the elements that make the area environmentally important are beds of all three types of local sea grass, which provide homes and a food source for a number of local species.“Sea grass provides a nursery habitat for a number of commercially important species, such as juvenile groupers and spiny lobsters, as well as protected species like seahorses and juvenile conch,” Mr Hayward said.The grass is also a major food source for juvenile green turtles, with a high number of turtles frequenting the South Basin.“The construction of a marina at this location would not only destroy an important food source for green turtles, but would almost certainly increase the number of collisions between sea turtles and marine craft, which has been found to be a notable cause of turtle injury and mortality in Bermuda.”Mr Hayward also explained that the south jetty attached to Cross Island is an important roosting site for gulls, shorebirds and terns because of a lack of predators something that could change if the marina plans are not properly handled.“Once connected to the mainland and developed in the manner proposed, this area will no longer be able to serve its key roosting function or act as a potential nesting site for terns,” he said.“The only practical mitigation to preserve the area’s roost site and tern nesting potential might be to wall off the eastern half of the jetty against human access and predators such as dogs and cats.”Other viable options for a development of this nature are available, such as St George’s Harbour and Morgan’s Point, which have a relatively low environmental richness because of past developments, he added.“These are also likely to be more viable options for the type of mega yacht community proposed given the potential conflict between, and differing demands of, cruise ship passengers and mega yacht owners.”He called for a thorough, independently reviewed and transparent EIA process to be adopted for all major projects in order to protect not only the environment, but taxpayer dollars.“Reputable, independent and adequately budgeted environmental assessments are key to maximising the benefits of the planning process and resulting developments,” Mr Hayward said.“Given the multiple economic, social and environmental benefits afforded, a properly scoped and evaluated EIA, including full stakeholder consultation, should be a standard ingredient for any major project, whether terrestrial or marine.”