Idle Iron policy removes habitat snapper depend upon, EcoRigs says
The old removal regulations created in the 1970s focused on “navigational liability,” and have not been adjusted to the environmental protection laws that followed in the next three decades, EcoRigs’ Steve Kolian said.
To Kolian, the destruction of the unique habitats is frustratingly ironic in that some of the species destroyed in the process — including rare coral — are actually protected under federal regulations.By allowing destruction of rigs, particularly when using explosives, government entities are acting in direct contrast to their stated mission and existing protective regulations, Kolian said.
Sammarco also said the paradox of the same governmental entity destroying what they simultaneously profess to protect by laws was “confounding.”