Environment & Ecology for Cruisers

Environment & Ecosystem Pages

Cruiser Actions to Support the Environment

Organizations in the Bahamas that Support the Environment.
  • Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organization; 242-366-4155; 242-357-6666; info@bahamaswhales.org. A registered Bahamian, U.S, and Canadian non-profit organization whose mission is to promote conservation of marine Mammals & their habitats through scientific research and educational outreach.
  • Bahamas National Trust The BNT is mandated with the conservation of natural and historic resources of The Bahamas.
  • Cape Eleuthera Institute; 242-334-8552; info@ceibahamas.or. A world-renown research facility promotes conservation, sustainability, and natural resource management. Contact for tours and programs on: sharks, ocean farming, coral reef surveys, green living, flats ecology and bonefish, prehistoric and historic settlements, and sustainable food production.

Bahamian Environmental Initiatives

The Bahamas Blue Flag Initiative
  • The Bahamas Blue Flag Initiative is an international voluntary environmental certification initiative for beaches and marinas managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
  • There are more than 2400 beaches and 630 marinas in 28 countries.
  • The Bahamas joined the effort in 2002.
  • Bahamian Blue Flag Marinas have programs to address Environmental Education & Information, Environmental Management, Water Quality, and Safety.
  1. Atlantis; Paradise Island, Nassau.
  2. Cape Eleuthera Marina; Powell Point, Eleuthera.
  3. Old Bahama Bay Marina; West End, Grand Bahama
  • Cruisers can join the Blue Flag Initiative by:
  1. Signing a code of conduce declaring adherence to and responsible actions regarding Bahamian environmental issues.
  2. A Blue Flag for the vessel is available signifying compliance.
  3. The vessel is registered with the international organization.
  • Bahamas Blue Flag Initiative Code of Conduct of Cruisers
  1. Not throw garbage into the sea or along the coast.
  2. Not release sewerage in coastal waters and sensitive areas & will consider installing a holding tank.
  3. Not release poisonous waste (oil, paint, used batteries, cleaning agents) into the marine environment and will deliver these tipes of waste to the appropriate containers or areas identified within the marina.
  4. Promote and use recycling facilities for glass, paper, cardboard, etc.
  5. Will use the most environmentally friendsy products among paints paint remover, detergents, etc. that are available and work efficiently.
  6. Will instantly report pollution or other violation of environmental regulations to the relevant authorities.
  7. Will not use prohibited fishing practice and wiil respect periods when fishing is unlawful in the respective countries visited.
  8. Will protect animals and plants in the marine environment such as avoiding disturbance of breeding birds and their nests and avoiding taking coral when prohibited.
  9. Respect vulnerable & natural protected areas.
  10. Avoid anchoring in sensitive marine areas.
  11. Be respectful and considerate to other boaters and the environment.
  12. Not buy or use objects made from protected species or archaeological underwater findings.
  13. Will Encourage other sailors to also take care of the marine environment.

Bahamian National Parks and Protected Areas

References & Publications
Ecosystem
  • Bahamas Environmental Handbook, 2002, Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission; ISBN: 976-8170-41-7; BEST Commission, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, P.O. Box CB 10980, Nassau, Bahamas.

Marine Life


International Conventions for Protecting the Marine Environment.
MARPOL 73/78 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Marpol 73/78 is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978. ("Marpol" is short for marine pollution and 73/78 short for the years 1973 and 1978.)
Marpol 73/78 is one of the most important international marine environmental conventions. It was designed to minimize pollution of the seas, including dumping, oil and exhaust pollution. Its stated object is: to preserve the marine environment through the complete elimination of pollution by oil and other harmful substances and the minimization of accidental discharge of such substances.
The original MARPOL Convention was signed on 17 February 1973, but did not come into force. The current Convention is a combination of 1973 Convention and the 1978 Protocol. It entered into force on 2 October 1983. As of 31 December 2005, 136 countries, representing 98% of the world's shipping tonnage, are parties to the Convention.
All ships flagged under countries that are signatories to MARPOL are subject to its requirements, regardless of where they sail and member nations are responsible for vessels registered under their respective nationalities.[1]
Further information: Marine debris

Marpol contains 6 annexes, concerned with preventing different forms of marine pollution from ships:
  • Annex I - Oil
  • Annex II - Noxious Liquid Substances carried in Bulk
  • Annex III - Harmful Substances carried in Packaged Form
  • Annex IV - Sewage
  • Annex V - Garbage
  • Annex VI - Air Pollution
A State that becomes party to Marpol must accept Annex I and II. Annexes III-VI are voluntary annexes.
Annexe 6 April 1987. As of October 2009, 150 countries representing almost 99.14% of the world's tonnage had become party to Annexes I and II.
Annex III entered into force on 1 July 1992 and (as of October 2009) 133 countries representing over 95.76% of the world's tonnage had become party to it.
Annex IV entered into force on 27 September 2003 and (as of October 2009) 124 countries representing over 81.62% of the world's tonnage had become party to it.
Annex V entered into force on 31 December 1988 and (as of October 2009) 139 countries representing over 97.18% of the world's tonnage had become party to it.
Annex VI entered into force on 19 May 2005 and (as of October 2009) 56 countries representing over 46% of the world's tonnage had become party to it.
Links to MAPOL 73/78: Annexes

Updated:29 Mar 13