The Georgia Ports Authority is backing a proposal to deepen the Savannah harbor. Port officials say deepening the Savannah harbor from its current 42 feet to 48 feet accommodate ships carrying heavier cargo. In other words, more cargo could pass through the port.
Opponents, however, say doing so could upset the region’s delicate aquatic balance and they say, the risk to wildlife outweighs the benefit of increased international commerce.
Ed Eudaly, is a biologist at the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service.
“We think there'll be less diversity in the marshes there and that will reduce the number of migratory birds and some species such as white abbas and woodstork could be less abundant.”The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service suggests deepening the harbor by 3 feet rather than the proposed six feet. They argue this alternative would save 10 times more tidal and freshwater wetland.
