On behalf of EQUO Verdes Tarifa, on the Algeciras Bay port infrastructure plan 

The petitioner explains that Algeciras Bay is made up of six Natura 2000 sites, five of which are in Spain: Estrecho Oriental ; Estrecho ; Los Alcornocales ; Marismas del Río Palmones ; Fondos Marinos Marismas del Río Palmones ; and one in Gibraltar: Southern Waters of Gibraltar . The petitioner says that in recent years the authorities responsible have allowed the systematic execution of plans and projects that have an adverse effect on the six Community sites, as the synergies between these different plans and projects have never been taken into account. As a result, the number of polluting industries around Algeciras Bay and in Gibraltar has risen year on year, destroying the natural surroundings with serious consequences for human health. She complains of the growth in heavy metal, iron and steel and chemical industries in the area, and the use of marine infilling materials for land reclamation to expand port activity, all of which has destroyed wetlands, estuaries and beaches. She calls for the Algeciras Bay port infrastructure plan, currently before the Environmental Assessment Subdirection, to be stopped and for all ongoing projects with adverse effects to be investigated and duly stopped.