National Parks Declared for Abaco!
The Minister of the Environment, The Honourable Kenred Dorsett, announced yesterday that the Government of the Bahamas had declared 18 new and expanded protected areas in The Bahamas, four of which are in Abaco! These proposals were the culmination of work by so many different organizations and individuals. This is a landmark moment for conservation in The Bahamas and we are so proud to have been a part of making it possible. 

Information on Abaco's parks are below. The main purpose of the proposals is to preserve the habitat in order to ensure that both current and future generations of Bahamians and visitors will be able to enjoy these areas as they do now. Fishing within the boundaries of the existing laws is still permitted in these areas. The Bahamas National Trust in partnership with the local groups and communities in Abaco will create the management plans for each area. The management plans will help determine specific guidelines for use.

Thank you for these declarations!
 
EAST ABACO CREEKS NATIONAL PARK
(Snake Cay, The Bight of Old Robinson & Cherokee Creeks)

This park was a long time coming. Frank Kenyon, a founder of FRIENDS and the namesake of our new research centre, has copies of letters that he wrote to the first Prime Minister of The Bahamas lobbying him to protect the Snake Cay Creeks. The protection of these creeks has indeed been a long process that has involved the passion and hard work of so many people in the community. 

Proposed Boundaries for the East Abaco Creeks National Park (Boundaries may vary slightly) 


Jungle Creek in The Bight of Old Robinson
 
CROSS HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK

Cross Harbour is one of the most productive wetland ecosystems in Abaco, and it may be the primary nursery for all of southern Abaco. It is a breeding area for nurse sharks and conch and is under study as perhaps the most important bonefish breeding ground on the entire Little Bahama Bank. More info

Sharks breeding on Cross Harbour Bank


Aaron Adams from Bonefish Tarpon Trust and David Philipp from Fisheries Conservation Foundation measuring a bonefish during a tagging project. Over 3,000 bonefish have been tagged in Abaco through a partnership with NGO's such as BTT, the AFFGA and independent guides and lodges. This tagging effort helped reveal the importance of protecting both Cross Harbour and The Marls for sustaining bonefish populations. 

 

THE MARLS NATIONAL PARK

The Marls include some of the most productive and expansive bonefish flats in The Bahamas. Anglers from all over the world have travelled to Abaco to fish the Marls. It is also home to migratory and resident birds, sharks, and other juvenile wildlife. 

A rare sighting of a sawfish in The Marls
Photo taken by angler Jacqueline Cannon


SOUTH ABACO BLUE HOLES NATIONAL PARK
(including Sawmill Sink, Dan's Cave, Ralph's Cave, and Nancy's Cave)

The Blue Holes of South Abaco have been featured internationally as some of the most highly decorated blue holes in the world. Not only are they beautiful but these blue holes are important. For example, Dan's cave has the highest diversity of cave adapted life in the WORLD! More Info

 
The Glass Factory in Ralph's Cave


 
Friends of the Environment
PO Box AB 20755
Marsh Harbour, Abaco,