Nassau, The Bahamas – Exploring the waters off the shoreline of the Exuma Cays and Conception Island, the Sylvia Earle Alliance (SEA) and The Nature Conservancy is encouraging The Bahamas to consider pushing for marine protected areas (MPA) within The Bahamian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Dr. Earle completed a joint Bahamian Expedition on May 28 and referenced the opportunities for initiatives provided by the Sargasso Sea Alliance in saving and protecting the Sargasso Sea, the heart of the Atlantic.
Kendred Dorsett, Minister of the Environment and Housing, thanked Dr. Earle for her commitment to the environment and for all she has done to protect the oceans globally.
“Here, in the Ministry of the Environment, we are only as strong as our partners in this network to advance protection of our environment and we realise that education is a critical component of this process,” said Minister Dorsett.
On May 21, Dr. Earle paid a courtesy call on Minister Dorsett, before joining the expedition, which launched from Staniel Cay, with co-leader, Eleanor Phillips, Director of the Northern Caribbean Programme of The Nature Conservancy. At the meeting, Dr. Earle praised the Government of The Bahamas for showing leadership in marine conservation.
“About half the world consists of the high seas; it is the Wild West out there and is controlled by only about eight nations. Countries like The Bahamas and Bermuda have an opportunity to join forces to protect the Sargasso Sea”, she said.
By Gena Gibbs
BAHAMAS INFORMATION SERVICES
