The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society has expressed concern over costal protection works being carried out along the Camp Bay coastline. They claim that the works, although attributed to emergency measures, should have followed ‘the proper procedures’ having sought advice from local expertise.

GONHS notes that the Department of the Environment has halted the works in order to carry out a ‘retrospective assessment’ however, it is possible that damage to costal habitat has already occurred.

The Society insists, ‘Camp Bay holds a population of the endangered Patella ferruginea and hopes that these works have not compromised the survival of these individuals. The revetment also provided habitat for other protected species, such as the Date Mussel Lithophaga lithophaga.’

GONHS is further concerned that unsuitable materials have been used to fill spaces between rocks, which could have a ‘negative impact on the recolonisation of marine organisms in this area.’

GONHS urges the Government to exercise caution and follow the correct processes when such works are carried out because, as is frequently stressed by the Government itself, Gibraltar hosts some very important marine habitats and species.