Supporting Life and Livelihoods in The Bahamas
A WildAid Marine Campaign in celebration of World Oceans Day 2021
The ocean feeds billions of people, provides millions of jobs in sectors as diverse as tourism, fishing, and shipping, and serves as a central element of cultures around the world. Ocean conservation is not only about conserving endangered wildlife and ecosystems, but also about protecting the lives of billions of people worldwide.
There is no place this is truer than The Bahamas. Home to about 400,000 people, The Bahamas boasts 700 islands and a robust ‘blue economy.’ Each year, millions of tourists flock to the islands to enjoy the famed beaches, diving, boating, and more, and thousands of Bahamians earn their livelihoods through fishing, tourism, and related industries. In The Bahamas, the ocean is life.
In celebration of World Oceans Day 2021, we invite you to join us on a virtual trip to The Bahamas. We’ll meet community members, fishers, and ocean advocates who depend on the ocean for their livelihoods. Their stories highlight the importance of strong enforcement and smart marine resource management.
~ Meet Paul Maillis, a fisher and free-diver from New Providence, The Bahamas. Read Paul’s story here.
~ Meet Capt. Keith Carroll, a commercial lobster trapper and fisher from New Providence, The Bahamas. Read Capt. Carroll’s story here.
~ Meet Dwayne ‘Tall Boy’ Bastian, a commercial conch diver and restaurant owner from New Providence, The Bahamas. Read Dwayne’s story here.
~ Meet Wellington Kasha Sears, a tour guide from Bimini, The Bahamas. Read Wellington’s story here.
~ Meet Natalie Miaoulis, a Fisheries Specialist from New Providence, The Bahamas. Read Natalie’s story here.
~ Meet Chuck Pinder, a commercial fisherman from Spanish Wells, The Bahamas. Read Chuck’s story here.
Since 2018, WildAid Marine has been working alongside The Nature Conservancy, The Bahamas Department of Marine Resources, and other Bahamian government agencies to strengthen the capacity of local marine enforcement agencies. Comprehensive enforcement is essential for deterring illegal fishing and ensuring marine resources are managed sustainably for the benefit of both people and wildlife.
Please consider making a $25 gift today to help ensure The Bahamas’ fisheries and wildlife are meaningfully protected.
Header Image Credit: Shane Gross for The Nature Conservancy