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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Captain Jim Holman with one of the new moorings - In addition to the Bagwell’s donation, Captain Jim Holman, Captain of the Bagwell’s yacht Chantal Ma Vie, and his crew who made a special trip to Conception Island to set the moorings, which they found for the BNT. The outermost mooring is a 3,000 pound navy Danforth Anchor which is good for vessels up to 200 feet. The two other moorings are 1,000 pound navy stockless anchors.
(Photo courtesy of BNT)
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Conception Island, Bahamas – As the trusted protectors of The Bahamas National Parks, the Bahamas National Trust and its staff constantly struggle to maintain the pristine waters that surround its parks all while welcoming the thousands of visitors to these parks. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bagwell, who love Conception Island National Park, the BNT has been able to install three new moorings at the Conception Island National Park, ensure that large yachts can anchor safely without damaging the seabed.
“We cannot thank Mr. and Mrs. Bagwell enough for their very generous donation to the BNT,” said David Knowles, BNT Director of Parks. “These anchorages will assist in protecting the seabed, especially precious coral reef resources that occur in the Park.”
Conception Island National Park was established on August 10, 1964. Initially protection only included the island itself, however, the park was expanded in 2011 to include the surrounding marine platform out to 100 fathoms or 600 feet. Conception Island has some of the healthiest ecosystems in The Bahamas and is a major destination for yachts, dive boats, and research vessels.
Conception Island is one of the loveliest islands in The Bahamas. This uninhabited island is located on a platform that rises out of the deep ocean fifteen miles east of Santa Maria, Long Island. The island has miles of pink sand beaches, gorgeous sandstone cliffs, and an extraordinary abundance of wildlife on the land and in the sea. There are numerous locations for spectacular scuba diving and snorkeling.
New Moorings at Conception Island National Park -
As the trusted protectors of The Bahamas National Parks, the Bahamas National Trust and its staff constantly struggle to maintain the pristine waters that surround its parks all while welcoming the thousands of tourists who visit its numerous islands. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bagwell, who love Conception Island, the BNT has been able to install three new moorings at the Conception Island National Park, ensure that large yachts can anchor safely without damaging the corals. Pictured is the crew of the Bagwell's ship installing the new moorings.
(Photo courtesy of BNT)
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The main island, Booby Cays and South Rocks are home to an extraordinary number of wildlife species, many of which are threatened or endangered. White–tailed Tropicbirds, Sooty terns, Oystercatchers, and Osprey nest on the island and cays. The center of the island is a large mangrove and creek habitat and an important nursery for fish, sharks, conch, and crawfish. Green turtles forage in the creek, off the southwestern shore, and in the northern bay. The coral reefs and grass flats in the surrounding sea are unusually healthy and are home to an abundance of sea life.
In addition to the Bagwell’s donation, Captain Jim Holman, Captain of the Bagwell’s yacht Chantal Ma Vie, and his crew who made a special trip to Conception Island to set the moorings, which they found for the BNT. The outermost mooring is a 3,000 pound navy Danforth Anchor which is good for vessels up to 200 feet. The two other moorings are 1,000 pound navy stockless anchors.
To learn more about Conception Island and how you can visit this breathtaking national park, visit the BNT’s website at http://www.bnt.bs//_m1731/The-National-Parks-of-The-Bahamas/Conception-Island-National-Park.
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