Clarence Town, Long Island – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) recently hosted a community meeting in Clarence Town, Long Island, to engage the local community in the development of a management plan for Conception Island National Park (CINP). The session brought together residents, fishers, business owners, and community leaders to discuss conservation priorities, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration for the national park.

Conception Island National Park, located northeast of Long Island, is one of the most ecologically significant national parks in The Bahamas. Established in 1964 and expanded in 2009 and 2021, the park protects Conception Island, Booby Cay, South Rocks, and their surrounding marine ecosystems. This remote national park is home to critical habitats that support several endangered and conservation-significant species. Its mangroves provide nursery grounds for juvenile green turtles and commercially important species such as Nassau Grouper and Queen Conch. The park’s shallow and deep reefs host a wide range of marine life, including the endangered Elkhorn Coral and one of the most extensive Monastrea reefs in the Caribbean. Its coastlines are important feeding and nesting grounds for resident and migratory birds, particularly seabirds like the White-tailed tropicbird and various species of terns.

The BNT is currently developing a management plan for CINP to guide conservation actions, address environmental threats, and ensure the sustainable use of the park’s resources. This plan will also reflect the values and priorities of local communities, making meetings like this one essential to shaping the future of the park.

During the meeting, participants shared concerns about illegal fishing, habitat disturbance, and the impacts of unregulated tourism. They also emphasized the need for increased enforcement, community education, and representation in decision-making.

The BNT outlined key goals for the management plan, including the creation of clearly defined park zones, protection of sensitive habitats like mangrove creeks and Elkhorn coral reefs, and improved monitoring through tools like drone technology. The organization also outlined its plan to install more signage and physical boundary markers in the park. During the meeting, the BNT invited participants to share their views on whether CINP should be designated as a complete no-take zone. The overwhelming majority expressed strong support for this proposal, signaling a clear community consensus in favor of heightened protection – like the model used in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.

“This meeting is just the beginning of what we hope will be an ongoing and collaborative process,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust, who shared a lot of BNT’s plans during the meeting. “Long Island is a key stakeholder island in the future of Conception Island, and this community’s voice, knowledge, and vision must help shape how the park is managed and protected. When community members are involved from the start, we create stronger, more meaningful conservation outcomes, and we ensure that the park continues to benefit both the environment and future generations of Bahamians.”

As part of its next steps, the BNT plans to host additional meetings to engage other key stakeholder groups, including North Long Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador. The BNT also announced its plans to soon establish an office and increase staff presence on Long Island, as well as host future educational and community activities.

Once drafted, the management plan will be circulated for public review, with a 30-day period for community feedback and input. A full recording of the meeting can be viewed on The BNT’s YouTube page. Those interested in providing preliminary information to support the management plan process are encouraged to fill out the CINP Community Survey at www.bnt.bs/cinpmp.

Financial support for the creation of the Conception Island Management Plan comes from the Blue Nature Alliance. This global partnership aims to safeguard global ocean biodiversity, build resilience to climate change, promote human well-being, and enhance ecosystem connectivity and function.

To learn more about the role the BNT plays in managing terrestrial and marine national parks, conserving wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs and follow/subscribe to its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Clarence Town, Long Island – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT), with support from The Builders Initiative (TBI), recently concluded two impactful workshops to build capacity among local fishers and promote long-term sustainability in Bahamian fisheries. The sessions, held on April 2 and 3 at the Clarence Town Community Centre, brought together commercial and subsistence fishers and interested community members from across Long Island to strengthen their knowledge and practical skills in responsible fishing and diving safety.

The Fish Pot Construction Workshop, held on April 2, was led by trap-making expert Castwelt Mounts, who shared over 45 years of experience in fisheries and trap design. Participants received hands-on training in building more environmentally responsible fish pots designed to reduce bycatch and minimize damage to marine habitats. This workshop encouraged responsible fishing practices that help sustain fish populations and support healthier marine ecosystems.

The following day, the Diver Safety Training Workshop was facilitated by Captain Omar Daley, a certified International Technical Nitrox Dive Instructor and former dive master at Stella Maris Inn. With a diving career spanning more than three decades, Daley guided attendees through the essential principles of safe diving, emergency preparedness, and best practices for commercial and subsistence divers. The presentation-based session focused on critical safety knowledge without requiring in-water participation.

Both workshops are part of an ongoing collaboration between the BNT and TBI to support fishers across The Bahamas through community-based outreach, education, and conservation training.

One participant shared: “I’ve been fishing for years, but I learned things today that will help me work smarter and protect the ocean at the same time. The instructors were very knowledgeable, and both of these workshops are something that was very needed.”

“These workshops are aimed at empowering fishers to protect their livelihoods and marine resources,” said Tatyana Archer, Outreach Officer at The Bahamas National Trust. “By offering hands-on training and practical knowledge, we’re helping to build a stronger foundation for sustainability in our Family Island communities. We’re incredibly grateful to our instructors, our participants, and our partners at The Builders Initiative for making these sessions possible.”

This outreach with fishers on the island is especially timely, as the BNT is currently developing a management plan for Conception Island National Park, one of the most ecologically significant protected areas in the country. Long Island plays a vital role in the future of the park, both geographically and as a key stakeholder community. Engaging local fishers at this stage ensures that their knowledge, experiences, and priorities are reflected in the long-term stewardship of this important marine ecosystem.

Participants will receive certificates of completion, and each participant was able to keep the fish pot they constructed during the workshop. The BNT plans to continue hosting similar training sessions across The Bahamas to strengthen capacity and promote sustainable marine resource use as part of the Builders Initiative Project.

The Builder’s Initiative Project aims to improve the management effectiveness of Bahamian Marine Protected Areas through science, technology, and stakeholder appreciation.

To learn more about the role the BNT plays in managing terrestrial and marine national parks, conserving wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs and follow/subscribe to its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Nassau, BAHAMAS — Powerade proudly supported the 2025 Potcakeman Triathlon with hydration packed beverages for athletes and volunteers.

For the 11^th consecutive year, Powerade, the triathlon’s presenting sponsor supported the highly anticipated sporting event which is a major fundraiser for Baark!

This year, Powerade donated 240 btls. to hydrate participants and an additional seven cases for the athletes’ goodie bags.

Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and the local distributors for Powerade also donated 240 btls. of Dasani water.

Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director for CBC spoke to the company’s continual commitment to the triathlon.

“We are excited to reaffirm our role as the presenting sponsor of the Baark! Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon. Baark’s focus on community health and wellness—promoting education and the well-being of both animals and individuals—perfectly aligns with our values. Through our Powerade brand, which champions active lifestyles, we are proud to support this fundraiser by providing premium hydration solutions for athletes and spectators alike.” he shared.

Laura Kimble, President of Baark! expressed what Powerade’s annual support means to the organization.

“Baark! is incredibly grateful for our ongoing partnership with Caribbean Bottling Company and their unwavering support as the presenting sponsor of the Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon for the 11th consecutive year. We share a deep commitment and passion for the Bahamian community, striving to create meaningful change and a lasting impact. We are thrilled that our athletes will once again be fully fueled and hydrated with Powerade, helping them perform at their best throughout the event.” she said.

To keep up to date with Caribbean Bottling Company’s events, philanthropic work and product launches visit www.cbcbahamas.com today!

A display of various Powerade flavors on CBC’s table at the triathlon