Star Wars fans could endanger World Heritage Site
File photo from Skellig Michael Island.
Digital Reporter
Monday, March 14, 2016, 5:11 PM - The most recent Star Wars movie has sparked a renewed interest in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and ecologists say that isn't a good thing.
Fans of Star Wars: The Force Awakens are said to be flocking to Skellig Michael Island in Ireland, and that's sparked a heated debate between local businesses and environmental watchdogs about how the area is being managed.
Thousands of movie fans are reportedly inquiring about visiting the island but as of right now, they may be out of luck.
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Skellig Michael serves as a critical habitat for Atlantic Puffins, Manx shearwaters and other seabirds. In order to preserve it, there is a strict limit of 180 visitors per day, and boats are only permitted to dock between May and October. But weather in the area can be unpredictable, so that means the island remains closed to the public most days, even when boats are allowed.
In order to cope with the recent influx of tourists, local business owners are asking the Irish government make the island open to the public between April and November.
Business owners say the current restrictions have cost them more than $3 million CAD in lost revenue.
"People are ringing us every day wanting to book," a boat operator told the Independent.
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Environmentalists counter that visitors could put the ecology of the delicate island at risk.
Seabird expert Dr. Stephen Newton wasn't happy that the movie was filmed on Skellig Michael Island in the first place, previously telling the BBC the seabirds would be "stressed out" by the noise from the production crew.
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Local guides are cautioning against the idea as well.
"The marketing initiatives that are out there in relation to Star Wars and Skellig Michael are the biggest threat the island has encountered in the last century," Claire O’Halloran told CBC.
So far, no decision has been made about the island's visitation days.
SOURCES: CBC | Independent
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