Request for support to protect Bimini Island
The Right Honourable Hubert A. Ingraham
Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield Centre
P.O. Box CB 10980
The
A new chapter is being written in the colorful and rousing
history of the islands of Bimini. These incredible islands, ecological gems
sitting alone on the western edge of the Great Bahama Bank, are experiencing
their own unique environmental renaissance. Long lauded as the “Big Game
Fishing Capital of the World,” Bimini is now emerging as one of the top
ecotourism destinations in theBahamas .
history of the islands of Bimini. These incredible islands, ecological gems
sitting alone on the western edge of the Great Bahama Bank, are experiencing
their own unique environmental renaissance. Long lauded as the “Big Game
Fishing Capital of the World,” Bimini is now emerging as one of the top
ecotourism destinations in the
The fishermen are still drawn here en masse, fanning out
over the shallow flats in search of bonefish and permit, with others venturing
just off-shore to the rich waters of the Gulf Stream hoping to hook marlin, wahoo, sailfish, and hoards of
other big-game pursuits. Now, joining the traditional fishing crowd is an ever-growing
number of SCUBA divers, snorkelers, kayakers, paddle-boarders, sightseers,
scientific researchers, filmmakers, and all-around nature enthusiasts. Along
with Bimini’s fascinating history and vibrant culture, the wildlife and natural
beauty of these islands are now sharing center stage.
over the shallow flats in search of bonefish and permit, with others venturing
just off-shore to the rich waters of the Gulf Stream hoping to hook marlin, wahoo, sailfish, and hoards of
other big-game pursuits. Now, joining the traditional fishing crowd is an ever-growing
number of SCUBA divers, snorkelers, kayakers, paddle-boarders, sightseers,
scientific researchers, filmmakers, and all-around nature enthusiasts. Along
with Bimini’s fascinating history and vibrant culture, the wildlife and natural
beauty of these islands are now sharing center stage.
In an effort to maximize Bimini’s potential and sustain the
very base of our tourism industry, we, the stakeholders, community leaders, and
residents of these islands now present a unified front to support the full
implementation and realization of Bimini’s long-awaited Marine Protected Area (MPA).
very base of our tourism industry, we, the stakeholders, community leaders, and
residents of these islands now present a unified front to support the full
implementation and realization of Bimini’s long-awaited Marine Protected Area (MPA).
The Bahamas
has established itself as a leader in marine conversation, and by formally declaring
Bimini’s MPA, that reputation will be strengthened exponentially.
has established itself as a leader in marine conversation, and by formally declaring
Bimini’s MPA, that reputation will be strengthened exponentially.
For the sake of our people and our precious marine
resources, we understand that
resources, we understand that
Bimini’s MPA will serve as the foundation from which this
island’s future will grow. As the only mangrove nursery habitat on the western
Great Bahama Bank, Bimini’s MPA will serve to replenish conch, lobster, and
fish stocks for the greaterBahamas
and far beyond.
island’s future will grow. As the only mangrove nursery habitat on the western
Great Bahama Bank, Bimini’s MPA will serve to replenish conch, lobster, and
fish stocks for the greater
and far beyond.
We hereby present in one united voice, the undersigned, who
offer full support in finalizing Bimini’s Marine Protected Area and
respectfully ask the Government of theBahamas
to treat this as a top priority for 2012.
offer full support in finalizing Bimini’s Marine Protected Area and
respectfully ask the Government of the
to treat this as a top priority for 2012.
For Bimini,
Editor’s Note: Please send letters voicing support of the Marine Protected Area to the Bahamian officials listed below, using the letter above as a reference for your own letter.
Bahamas National Trust
P.O. Box N4105
The Retreat Gardens
Village Road
Nassau, Bahamas
Department of Fisheries
Ministry of Agriculture & Marine Resources
East Bay Street
P. O. Box N 3028
Nassau, Bahamas
The Nature Conservancy – Bahamas Program
West Bay Street
Caves Village, Suite 2
Building 5
P.O. Box CB – 11398
Nassau, Bahamas
The Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission
Ministry of Health and the Environment
PO Box N3730
Nassau Court
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas