Environmental Impacts of Cruise Ships on Island Nations

The Commonwealth of Dominica is a small country located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is diminutive in comparison to other countries, encompassing only 751 square kilometers and with a population of only 70,000 persons. It is known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” based on an extensive national park and preserve systems. Due to geographical challenges and a desire for greater foreign investment, Dominica developed a strategy to increase cruise ship visitor numbers and ideally, their national economy. The cruise industry, however, has various detrimental impacts on the environment it depends on. It could be that these islands are cruising to destruction.

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