In a news report posted by Andy Carroll on Scubageek.com it mentions how dive operators are taking up to 200 divers per day to dive sites at Sipadan.
This has led to friction between dive operators and Sabah Parks officials, resulting in divers being evicted for entering the area without proper permit, according to a recent consultant’s report.
In January, the daily average of divers to the island was 141 and the number rose to 159 in February. It went up to an average of 219 a day in March, 235 in April and 201 in May.
Apparently the state government was trying to put a stop to divers entering Sipadan without permits, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat said after attending the 4th Sabah – Sarawak Environmental Convention 2006.
The original article is from the Underwater Times, where it mentions the impact this is having on such an environmentally sensitive area.
