Environment Minister Harry Soares has moved to allay fears over possible ecological damage at one of Bermuda's most famous snorkelling beaches.

Mr. Soares reassured residents and the National Trust that Church Bay is constantly being monitored and a full investigation into the beauty spot will take place in the autumn.

There had been concerns that a concession stand at the beach could led coral reef damage, caused by the sheer numbers of visitors using the area.

And many nearby residents, who objected to the permit being granted to Glen Johnson and Alex Madeiros, fear the stand could harm the unspoilt nature of the bay.

The concession allows the rental of 30 pairs of snorkels, and the sale of soda and chips. The pair are on probation for the first year, and may be granted the permit for next summer if Parks department officials are happy with the situation.

Mr. Soares, an experienced scuba diver, said the protection and longevity of the coral reefs was uppermost in his mind.

Bermuda has the most northerly corals reef in the world, and their safekeeping was of paramount importance, he said.

He said there was danger from people standing on the reef and damaging it, but added that the advantages of having the concessionaires at the bay, advising visitors, outweighed any concerns over the intrusion caused by their equipment.

"Are we better off having more people going to the bay, but in a more responsible manner? The crucial thing is that fewer people are doing any damage,'' he said.

"Are we better off with more people doing little or no damage? I know which I would vote for.'' The Minister said the public were wary of information signs at parks and beaches but believed the solution to public education on the fragile marine eco-system was via tourism companies.

Courses run by the Aquarium on the marine world were attended by diving companies and tour boat operators, who then passed that knowledge onto their customers.

"We think these courses are a major first step in ensuring the reefs aren't damaged. We to make sure that everybody who goes in the water understands the fragility of the environment,'' he said.

At Church Bay, he said, much of the reef is too deep for people to stand on, but he also had confidence that the concession operators would warn visitors from damaging it.

The National Trust is concerned about the granting of the concession, and added their voice to 160 objectors when the application was heard.

They have called for a list of conditions to be met before any future applications are met.

They include a before-and-after survey to record any reef damage during the season, briefings for snorkellers on the delicate nature of the reef, and a requirement for operators to pass a course similar to one offered by the Bermuda Zoological Society.

Harry Soares