South Eleuthera among network of six Marine Protected Areas

Cabinet has agreed to declare the following six locations as Marine Protected Areas:  Abaco Cays, Berry Islands (Chub Cay to Whale Cay), Bimini, South Eleuthera, Exuma, Site 1 and 2 which include, Jewfish Cays to mainland Georgetown and the area east of Blacks Rocks between Little Exuma and North Long Island respectively. 

The Ministry will proceed with the Berry Islands, and Site 1 Exuma, while Site 2 Exuma, South Eleuthera, and Bimini will be revisited, and further consultations will take place within the Abaco community. 

Marine Protected Areas are designated areas in which removal of marine resources is prohibited and impacts are minimized. 

The backdrop for the Ministry’s decision to establish Marine Protected Areas rests in the need to ensure healthy marine habitats and sustainable fisheries in The Bahamas.  The constant threat by human impacts, including overfishing, habitat loss and degradation of water quality to the marine life resources led to a study which was undertaken in 1999 which determined the scientific validity of a list of marine reserve sites.  The first five locations in which Fishery Reserves was created was announced in 2000.  These sites were confirmed and management measures established after thorough consultation with local communities, stakeholders and scientists. 

It is envisioned that there will be a increase in key fishery species and biomass, resulting in greater reproductive output and replenishment of fished stocks outside the Fishery Reserve; in addition to the designated areas being protected from threats specific to them.  This should culminate with a positive impact to the Bahamian economy and the quality of life for Bahamians.