Protecting the Sharks, the Wrong Way
In the name of following a balanced and less biased view, contrary to what they did to forests in Belek, Antalya, the government did the right thing to protect the sharks (lat. Carcharnius Plumbeus) by closing the Boncuk Bay in Marmaris, Mugla to all. Boncuk Bay is the only place in northern hemisphere where these lovely animals lay their eggs (the second one being in South America).
After giving them a ticket of approximately 15000 usd for renewal of toilets without permission, the authorities have shut down the only facility in the bay. The facility had 3 (three) rooms and a camping area and has been in service for 30 years.
I am aware that our beloved government seems like a pioneer of democracy in the eyes of the many, so I will not comment any further on the procedure. Renewal of toilets without permission, eh? One wonders if the visiting scientists, marine biologists, staff of environmental agencies etc will ever need a place to stay. Perhaps a better, more modern facility is required to ensure the safety of sharks, who knows? Think about it. A theme park of sharks that does not harm humans (they do not)! Instead of a family run business with three rooms, an amusement hotel run by a professional management perhaps? A group of wise people who know when and how to renovate toilets?
But a few things in the story are really amusing. For example let us read what the Governer of Mugla Dr. Ahmet Altiparmak said when asked to comment:
I learned the closing of the facility from the DHA reporter (yeah, that’s why the press is sooo important). I am investigating…
I am, too.
