SAVE BAHAMAS' REEFS BY EARLY VIEWING OF “OCEANS”

Ministry of Tourism, The Nature Conservancy and Disneynature Kick Off the Race To Save Coral Reefs with Today’s Big-screen Debut of “OCEANS” in the U.S. and Canada

NASSAU, The Bahamas – April 23, 2010 – “See OCEANS Save Oceans” was the new mantra for Earth Day on Thursday when the movie “Oceans” premiered in the United States and Canada.

U.S. and Canadian movie-goers now have the special opportunity to save The Bahamas’ marine habitats while viewing the majestic Caribbean seas, thanks to Disneynature’s newest motion picture, filmed partly on-location in The Bahamas.

“OCEANS” is the second film to come from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures’ newest label, Disneynature.  Disneynature’s first film, “Earth,” made its record-breaking debut last year, grossing more than $100 million worldwide and creating a devout following and loyal fan base. This year’s “OCEANS” follows directors Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud as they dive deep into the world’s seas and chronicle the mysteries that lie beneath. 

The 700 Islands Of The Bahamas contain miles of vital coral reefs, which are the foundation of a healthy ocean environment, providing protection, nurseries and feeding ground for hundreds of marine species, including sea turtles, dolphins and a wide range of fish.  Scientists estimate that the coral reefs of the Caribbean could be gone within 50 years without a network of well-managed marine protected areas.  Disneynature will make a contribution to The Nature Conservancy to save coral reefs and help establish new marine protected areas in The Bahamas in honor of each moviegoer who sees the film during opening week, April 22-28. 

The Ministry of Tourism built anticipation and excitement for the “OCEANS” movie debut via its advanced social media network, reaching many consumers and fans of The Bahamas.  Tweets containing marine conservation facts will continue to stream from the @VisitTheBahamas handle throughout the first week of the movie’s premiere.  The Islands Of The Bahamas’ Facebook page hosts a link to the movie’s trailer along with information on The Bahamas’ marine protection efforts.

“The Bahamas has long been at the forefront of marine preservation and environmental safeguarding,” commented Vernice Walkine, director general of the Ministry of Tourism. “We feel privileged and fortunate to have such remarkable organizations recognize the importance of the Caribbean marine habitat and contribute to the future conservation of the waters that sustain us all.”

More than half a decade ago, The Bahamas began taking steps to protect some of the most pristine and productive waters in the Caribbean — including extending legal protection to all species of sea turtles found within the country’s waters.  The Bahamas National Trust established Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park in 1958, making it the first marine fishery reserve established in the Caribbean and the first land and sea park in the world.  Each of the Trust’s eight parks includes a marine component and the government recently granted approval for an additional three – Fowl Cay; Conception Island Marine Park and West Side National Park. 

There are currently five marine reserves in The Bahamas; Crab Cay Marine Reserve, No Name Marine Reserve, South Berry Islands Marine Reserve, Jewish Cays Marine Reserves and North Bimini Marine Reserve, located throughout the Berry Islands, Bimini, The Exumas and The Abacos.  Four of the five strictly enforce a no take – no fishing activity stance, with the exception of North Bimini Marine Reserve which allows catch and release fishing only.  The Bahamas Department of Marine Resources’ vision is to ultimately hold a total of 30 marine reserves in the network.

Additionally, The Bahamas’ eighty plus marinas embrace one of the strictest certification programs in the world, with the Blue Flag program instituted to assist in the environment management of their operations.  Blue Flag certified marinas must have a pump-out station, facilities to collect and properly dispose of hazardous waste and accept a minimum of three recyclable items among other operational procedures.  There are currently three Blue Flag certified marinas in The Bahamas.

Securing partnerships with influential ecological organizations and brands remains to be an important initiative for the Ministry of Tourism as part of the Ministry’s public relations/marketing communications program and dedication to the protection of the environment.