The Bahamas Biocomplexity Project is an ongoing study that was started back in 2002. This is the first Bahamian project that has employed onsite environmental scientists to guide the construction of sustainable development called Baker's Bay Golf and Ocean Club. It is being funded by a $2.5 million dollar grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation. Researchers from University of Miami and many other schools have teamed-up with developers from Discovery Land Company. Currently it is being led by scientists of the American Museum of Natural History.
The overall goal of this project is to understand the design of Marine reserve networks to provide scientific help in the design of a marine reserve network in the Bahamas. While they are there they will use the area as a living laboratory for studying the effects of protecting some places in the ocean. The work involved after the EIA (Environment Impact Assessment) will be tough and just to do the EIA cost about 15% of the total project budget, but was necessary for other programs. The project will serve as case study and documents for best practices and construction impacts on Marine Environment. Also this project will be used to improve the design of networks of Marine Protected Areas. These MPAs are very valuable tools for conserving natural and cultural marine resources as a part of an ecosystem approach to management.
I support this project and hope that the project will be very successful with the data they will uncover and will be used by the United States. Globally there has been a rapid decline of coral reef ecosystems. Already ten percent of the planet’s reefs have already been destroyed which can never be recovered. It is predicted that by 2050 another 60 percent of these reefs could die in result of pollution, overfishing, and climate change. In the Caribbean, the situation is much worse and that is why the Biocomplexity Project was setup there. Researchers are hoping that this could serve as a model for coral reef conservation globally.
Shawn Page
The bleaching of coral reefs from oceanic acidification really harms marine life and is extremely awful. I really hope this project works out and they get sufficient research to be able to determine how to choose locations for MPAs. What types of factors is this group going to be studying? You mention that they will be focusing on the impact of protection-- but the impact and effect on what? When a MPA is determined to be necessary for a location, what happens to the people that live there and their jobs? Or do these areas draw people in and spur development? How long is this research supposed to take?
ReplyDeleteI support the sustainable actions the Bahamas Biocomplexity Project is working towards. I personally feel as though this is a step in the right direction to help preserve and eventually conserve the coral reefs. Coral reefs are major attractions for scuba diving and snorkeling because of the pristine waters and abundance of aquatic life. Is the tourism market a reason for the decline in coral reefs? Also what part does the fishing industry play in the scheme of things? I agree that more programs like this one need to be created in order to discover new design options and preservation methods.
ReplyDelete-Amanda Hamilton