ABSTRACT

AN INTERNSHIP WITH THE NATURE CONSERVANCY’S NORTHERN CARIBBEAN PROGRAM

by Sharrah Moss

In fulfillment of the Master of Environmental Science (M. En.) at Miami University, Ohio, I completed a twelve month internship with the Northern Caribbean Program of The Nature Conservancy, based on New Providence Island in The Bahamas, from January to December 2009. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is an environmental non-profit organization with offices in all fifty states and in thirty-three countries. The focus of the internship with the Northern Caribbean Program was to provide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) support, field research assistance and institutional support. Responsibilities included compiling, reviewing, analyzing GIS data and creating GIS maps for TNC and its partners, providing field research assistance, community outreach and fundraising support. This report summarizes the projects and activities undertaken during the internship and the value of the educational experience provided by the Institute of Environmental Sciences at Miami University which led to the successful pursuit of a permanent position at TNC.

AN INTERNSHIP IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE WITH THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, NORTHERN CARIBBEAN PROGRAM, THE BAHAMAS

An Internship Report

Submitted to the

Faculty of Miami University

in partial fulfillment of

the requirements for the degree of

Master of Environmental Sciences

Institute of Environmental Sciences

by

Sharrah Moss

Miami University

Oxford, Ohio

2012

Major Advisor______Dr. Mark Boardman

Advisor______Dr. Sandra Woy-Hazleton

Advisor______Suzanne Zazycki

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ...... 1

INTERNSHIP ...... 1 THE NATURE CONSERVANCY ...... 1 THE NORTHERN CARIBBEAN PROGRAM ...... 1 CONSERVATION IN THE BAHAMAS ...... 5 INTERNSHIP ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 9

SCOPE OF THE INTERNSHIP ...... 9 ORGANIZATIONAL TRAINING AND ORIENTATION ...... 11 NETWORKING, PARTNERSHIPS AND TRAINING ...... 12 GIS AND FIELD SUPPORT ...... 23 CONCLUSION ...... 27

INTERNSHIP REFLECTION ...... 27 THE IMPACT OF THE IES ...... 29 REFERENCES ...... 31 APPENDICES ...... 33 APPENDIX A: NCP PARTNERS IN THE BAHAMAS ...... 34 APPENDIX B: LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL NGOS ...... 35 APPENDIX C: PROTECTED AREAS ...... 36 APPENDIX D: BNT GOVERNING COUNCIL ...... 42 APPENDIX E: MARINE AREAS SELECTED BY THE DMR ...... 43 APPENDIX F: CONSERVATION PLANNER JOB DESCRIPTION ...... 50 APPENDIX G: DRAFT MELALEUCA CONTROL PLAN FOR THE BAHAMAS ...... 53 APPENDIX H: MELALEUCA CONTROL PLAN STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP ...... 63 APPENDIX I: PROPOSED FORESTRY RESERVES (2009) ...... 66 APPENDIX J: DRAFT FORESTRY RESERVATION MAPS ...... 69 APPENDIX K: TNC DATA SHARING AGREEMENT ...... 77

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. List of Commonly Divided Regions in The Bahamas ...... 6 Table 2. Summary of Internship Responsibilities ...... 10 Table 3. Summary of current vs. desired future conditions in Bahamian pinelands ...... 14

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Map of TNC Caribbean Programs ...... 2 Figure 2. NCP 2009 Organizational Chart ...... 4 Figure 3. Map of The Bahamas and surrounding countries (Source: ESRI) ...... 5 Figure 4. Map of Protected Areas in The Bahamas ...... 7 Figure 5. Map of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park ...... 8 Figure 6. Map of the FLCFILN participating regions...... 12 Figure 7. S. Moss and participants on a field trip during FLCFILN workshop in Miami, Florida ... 13 Figure 8. Participants view the suite of equipment used in managing wildfires ...... 15 Figure 9. Melaleuca leaves, flowers and bark (Scoles 2006) ...... 16 Figure 10. The resulting thicket produced by saplings from a single tree (Scoles 2006) ...... 16 Figure 11. Fire in a stand of Melaleuca trees (Scoles 2006) ...... 17 Figure 12. Map of Invasive Species Populations in the Northern Bahamas ...... 18 Figure 13. BNT warden applying herbicide to exposed Melaleuca stump ...... 19 Figure 14. S. Moss with FLCFILN participants in Puerto Rico ...... 20 Figure 15. S. Moss holding a lionfish collected during a training dive ...... 22 Figure 16. Participant holding the otolith after removal ...... 22 Figure 17. Map of the Blue Hole National Park on Andros Island ...... 24 Figure 18. Scanned map of Grand Bahama showing hand drawn forestry areas ...... 25 Figure 19. Draft Forestry Map of Grand Bahama created in GIS ...... 25 Figure 20. Shedd Aquarium Research Vessel, R/V Coral Reef II ...... 26 Figure 21. S. Moss holding juvenile rock iguana as herpetologist collects blood sample ...... 27

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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

BEST Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology Commission

BNPAS Bahamas National Protected Area System

BNT Bahamas National Trust

BPAF Bahamas Protected Areas Fund

BREEF Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation

CaMPAM Caribbean Marine Protected Area Management Network and Forum

Caribbean OU Caribbean Operating Unit

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity

CBF Caribbean Biodiversity Fund

DMR Department of Marine Resources

ECLSP Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

FLCFILN Florida & Caribbean Fire & Invasives Learning Network

GEF Global Environment Facility

GIS Geographic Information Systems

IES Institute of Environmental Sciences

IWCAM Integrating Watersheds and Coastal Areas Management

MPA Marine Protected Area

NCC National Coordinating Committee

NCP Northern Caribbean Program

NISP National Implementation Strategy Partnership

NISS National Invasive Species Strategy

NPC National Project Coordinator

PSP Public Service Project

TNC The Nature Conservancy

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

There are many people I am grateful to for their assistance and support during my time at Miami University, the Institute of Environmental Sciences (IES) and during my internship with The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

Special thanks to Aaron Bixler, Director of International Graduate Admissions for Miami University, for his assistance and professionalism during my admission process. Thank you to the faculty and staff of the Institute of Environmental Sciences for their support during my time at IES. I especially would like to acknowledge my committee members Dr. Mark Boardman, Dr. Sandra Woy-Hazelton and Suzanne Zazycki. And many thanks to Betty Haven and Chris Ingham for their assistance and support during my two years in the IES program.

I am also very grateful to Dr. Mary Jane Berman, Dr. Perry Gnivecki, Dr. Hays Cummins and the many professors at Miami who have conducted research in The Bahamas over the years. Their continued work in The Bahamas is widely recognized and valued. Thanks to Eleanor Phillips and the staff of The Nature Conservancy for the opportunity to intern with the Northern Caribbean Program.

Finally, I would like to extend sincerest gratitude to my family and friends in The Bahamas and in the United States. To my parents Hector and Rosetta Smith and my siblings Brenton, Roshanne and Bernard, I will forever be grateful for the love, support and encouragement you have shown me throughout my life and especially during this phase of my journey. I am the person I am today because of your support, example and love. To my husband, Kevin, I am truly blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for your sacrifice and support.

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DEDICATION

This report is dedicated to my late brother, Brenton Hector Jerad Smith.

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INTRODUCTION

Internship

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (IES) at Miami University offers a Master of Environmental Science professional degree. An internship is required to fulfill the professional experience requirement. From January 2009 to December 2009 I completed an internship with The Nature Conservancy’s Northern Caribbean Program (NCP), in fulfillment of the professional training requirement for the Master of Environmental Science (M. En.) degree. The internship at the NCP provided hands on experience relevant to my area of concentration, Environmental Management. The well-balanced theoretical knowledge and interdisciplinary approach I was immersed in while at IES provided me with a well-rounded practical educational experience that has proven to be invaluable in my professional endeavors.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is an international environmental organization based in the United States, with offices in all fifty states and in thirty-two countries. It was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1951 with origins dating back to the Ecological Society of America. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) began as a US entity with the first chapter based in eastern New York and eventually evolved into a network of chapters and field offices across the US. Its primary focus in the beginning was to take “direct action” to save natural areas. TNC’s mission statement reads:

“To preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.”

It wasn’t until the 1970s that TNC expanded outside the US, working in Central and South America and the Caribbean. By the mid-1980s, TNC opened its first South American office in Brazil and had offices in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands. In 2000 efforts to work in The Bahamas began and by 2003 the NCP was established (TNC 2009).

The Northern Caribbean Program

The NCP office is one of three Caribbean Programs (Figure 1). Its office is located on New Providence Island and the program director is responsible for conservation initiatives in The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Organizational priorities are set and new projects are selected jointly between the NCP and the Caribbean Operational Unit (Caribbean OU). The Caribbean OU oversees all Caribbean offices and programs and serves as the first point of contact in the US for all of the programs (Jones 2009).

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Figure 1. Map of TNC Caribbean Programs There are three primary differences between how the US based chapters and the NCP operate, specifically, their approach to accomplishing conservation goals, support and funding and memberships. US based chapters are supported primarily by memberships and donors. In fact, almost half of the donations received, come from individual gifts, and others from bequests, foundations and corporate gifts (TNC 2009). The NCP operates without memberships or engaging Bahamian donors. One of the caveats set by the Bahamas Government when agreeing to allow TNC to operate within The Bahamas was that no membership drives would be conducted locally. Given the small population of The Bahamas, fundraising at the local level could create competition between TNC and local NGOs for limited members, donors and resources.

Fundraising by the NCP, while allowed, is specific to international donors. Funding for program work comes primarily through fundraising efforts executed at the Caribbean OU and wider TNC operational levels, in combination with funding acquired through contracts secured at the national and international levels. An example of funding at the global level is the “Adopt a Coral Reef program” which allows donors worldwide to donate money toward protecting coral reefs in The Bahamas (TNC 2009). The Global Environment Facility-funded Integrating Watersheds and Coastal Areas Management (IWCAM) Andros project is another example. While the BEST Commission is the executing agency for all GEF projects, the NCP was contracted to assist BEST 2 with the project. The NCP also receives support from the Kerzner Marine Foundation through the Blue Project which is executed by the NCP (Kerzner 2009).

In 2009, the Walt Disney Company committed to supporting conservation work in The Bahamas, particularly protected area expansion. Their support was influenced strongly by “national commitment to expanded protected areas by the Bahamian government, coupled with the presence of local and international NGOs and leadership from the Conservancy.” Disney is particularly supportive of the work being done through the Caribbean Challenge (TNC 2009).

The Caribbean Challenge was launched in 2008, with The Bahamas government, alongside government leaders from Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is a region-wide campaign to protect the health of the Caribbean’s lands and waters and eight Caribbean nations have committed to protecting nearly 20 percent of their marine and coastal habitat by 2020. The three core components of the Challenge are;

 “Create networks of marine protected areas expanding across 21 million acres;  Establish protected area trust funds to generate permanent, sustainable funding sources for the effective management, expansion and scientific monitoring of all parks and protected areas; and  Develop national-level demonstration projects for climate change adaptation (TNC 2009). ”

Another distinction between US based chapters and the NCP is that chapters primarily focus on land acquisitions, setting up private land trusts and managing preserves. The focus of the NCP is to provide institutional strengthening to government and environmental non-profits. Work is primarily executed through partnerships with government agencies such as The Ministry of The Environment and the Department of Marine Resources (Appendix A). The NCP also partners with non-profit environmental organizations such as The Bahamas National Trust (Appendix B).

The focus of the NCP is primarily in three areas: institutional strengthening of partners, supporting the establishment of new protected areas and providing science based policy recommendations to partners. Major projects and initiatives include;

1. The Andros West Side Expansion Project 2. The Caribbean Challenge 3. Protected Area Fund 4. Fisheries Improvement Project 5. GEF-Integrating Watershed and Coastal Management Project; and 6. The development of a Master Plan for Protected Areas in The Bahamas

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The NCP also participates in a number of public outreach initiatives such as school presentations and field research and hosted numerous conservation training exercises. It operates at the national and local level with the Bahamas Government and NGO partners. Activities include conservation area planning, an ecological gap assessment, protected areas management and expansion. Work at the community level is focused on four islands (Abaco, Andros and New Providence) and is primarily geared toward strengthening local environmental NGOs. The NCP supports capacity building, sustainable finance planning and strategic planning for local NGOs through financial support and training.

In an effort to support the expansion and effective management of protected areas in The Bahamas, TNC and its partners have launched several mechanisms and campaigns including the Protected Areas Fund, the Caribbean Challenge and the Andros West Side Project. The primary partner relationships fall under the National Implementation Support Program (NISP), which includes the Bahamas Environment Science and Technology (BEST) Commission, Bahamas National Trust (BNT), Department of Marine Resources (DMR), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) (Appendix A, B). The NISP functions as a partnership which also extends to stakeholders throughout the country, with the main objective being to help The Bahamas implement the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Programme.

At the beginning of my internship, there were eight staff members including the Program Director (Figure 2). By the end of 2009, two staff members were let go due to the impact the global financial crisis had on the organization. TNC saw reductions in investment value ($320 million) and overall support and revenue (down half the amount reported in 2008). In order to proactively address the financial deficits, TNC reduced spending in 2009 by 11 percent and reduced its operational budget for 2010 by 16 percent (TNC 2009).

Eleanor Phillips - Program Director

Nickara Pratt - Dorcas Davis-Miller - Operations Manager Receptionist

Elvardo Thompson - Felicity Burrows - Marine Stacey Wells-Moultrie - Sharrah Moss - Partnership Coordinator Conservation Specialist Senior Policy Advisor Conservation Planner

Ancilleno Davis - Conservation Coordinator

Figure 2. NCP 2009 Organizational Chart

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While success of US chapters are measured by the amount of acres purchased and set aside for conservation, success of the NCP and other Caribbean programs is measured by the amount of commitments made by governments to protect marine and coastal habitat and how many areas are protected. In 2009, eight Caribbean nations committed to protecting 20% of marine and coastal habitat through TNC-supported Caribbean Challenge by 2020 (TNC, 2009). The successful launch of the Caribbean Challenge is directly related to the efforts of the NCP to encourage the government to expand the national protected areas system. Another NCP success story, along with the effective support of partners, is that of the Andros West Side National Park expansion project. It resulted in the park expansion which was announced by the Prime Minister in October of 2009. Even though the approach to conservation in the Caribbean region differs from the approach used in the US, the mission of the NCP is the same as that of the wider TNC.

Conservation in The Bahamas

The Bahamas is an archipelago dispersed across 100,000 square miles of the North Atlantic (Figure 3). With over 700 islands and 2,000 cays and rocks, it lies northeast of Cuba and southeast of Florida (Hammerton and Larson 1999).

Figure 3. Map of The Bahamas and surrounding countries (Source: ESRI) 5

These flat, low-lying limestone islands sit on several shallow bank platforms, most notably, the Little Bahama Bank, Cay Sal Bank and Great Bahama Bank. The islands are commonly divided into three regions; Northern, Central and Southern islands based on rainfall occurrence and the ecological communities found on them (Table 1).

Table 1. List of Commonly Divided Regions in The Bahamas

Regions Islands Descriptions

Northern Abaco, Berry Islands, Bimini, Land cover is primarily Grand Bahama, North Andros Caribbean pine (Pinus and New Providence caribaea), with broadleaf shrub and palm understory. High rainfall.

Central Cat Island, Conception Island, Land cover is primarily Eleuthera, the Exumas, Long broadleaf coppice. Island, Ragged Island, Rum Moderate rainfall. Cay, San Salvador and South Andros Island

Southern Acklins & Crooked Islands, Land cover is primarily dry Crooked Island, Little and shrubland. Low rainfall. Great Inagua, Mayaguana and Samana Cay

There are no rivers or streams in The Bahamas. Freshwater is found predominantly in the northern islands, which also have higher rainfall than central and southern islands (BEST 2002). With only nineteen islands inhabited and a total population of 342,000 (2009 est.), the majority of the population (69%) lives on New Providence. The second largest island in terms of population is Grand Bahama, with 16% of the population (DOS 2000). All other islands are affectionately referred to as “family islands” by residents. Tourism makes up almost 50 percent of the GDP, which is $7.07 billion, followed by the financial sector, accounting for 20 percent (IMF 2009).

Managing natural resources in The Bahamas is a responsibility that stretches across many government and quasi-government entities. Conservation of the country’s resources is implemented by the establishment of national parks and marine reserves (SENES 2005). BNT is a quasi-government entity mandated to manage national parks. While not a government entity, it was given the mandate to manage national parks by an Act of Parliament in 1959. There are currently 26 national parks (Figure 4) throughout the archipelago, varying in purpose, size and management effectiveness (Appendix C). BNT does not report to any one government agency

6 directly, but is governed by a council made up of representatives from government, private sector and scientific communities (Appendix D). It receives funding from private donations, an endowment fund and a subvention from the government of The Bahamas (BNT 2009).

In 2007, the government made a five-year commitment to provide BNT with $1 million annually and in 2009 provided an additional $250,000 to the annual subvention. Since 2007, BNT has been able to hire new staff, train staff and fund projects including the Southwest Marine Management Area and the Andros Ecotourism Project. BNT manages 26 national parks, with 40 staff members and total revenues of over $2.8 million (BNT 2009).

The first marine reserve was established in 1892 under the Sea Gardens Protection Act, which prohibited dredging or removal of coral, sea fans or other organisms from the seabed in the an area known as the Sea Gardens. It is located in an unspecified area between Atoll Island and Hog island (Paradise Island) (Sobel 2004). In 1999 a network of 37 reserves was proposed to promote long term sustainability of fisheries and conserve marine resources (Appendix E). Of the 37 marine reserves proposed, 5 have been established as of 2009 and are being managed by the Department of Marine Resources (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Map of Protected Areas in The Bahamas

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The first national park, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, was established in 1958 and was the first of its kind in the world. It was designated as a no-take marine reserve in 1986 and encompasses 186 square miles of terrestrial and marine habitat (Figure 5). Over the past two decades comparative studies have shown that fish, conch and grouper biomass, density and diversity, among other factors are greater within the park, than in fished areas outside the park (Sealey 2000; Mumby 2010). Studies have also shown that the reserve promotes healthier coral reefs through greater coral recruitment due to the presence of higher numbers of grazing herbivores (Mumby 2010).

Figure 5. Map of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

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INTERNSHIP ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

My professional experience in the environmental field spans almost a decade. I was born and raised in The Bahamas and grew up on New Providence. I spent numerous summers on Long Island, a family island located in the southern Bahamas. After graduating high school in The Bahamas I attended the University of Arkansas, where I received my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. I returned home to very limited professional options and spent a year in the scuba diving industry, where I obtained my open water scuba instructor’s certification. In 2002 I was offered a position with the BEST Commission and in 2006 went to work with BNT.

It was at BNT where I decided I wanted to pursue my master’s degree and get trained in the use of GIS. Although I took a position with TNC after attending Miami, I feel as though my original desire to make a difference at BNT and within the realm of geospatial science in The Bahamas.

Scope of the Internship

During my first few weeks at the NCP, I was introduced to the various ongoing projects and initiatives. From the onset, the director encouraged me to think creatively and keep an open mind when performing my duties. It was advice that was welcomed and has served me well. The NCP staff was very welcoming and was eager to bring me up to speed with projects they were working on. My internship with the NCP was designed primarily to provide in –house GIS support to staff and national and local partners.

My responsibilities as Conservation Planner as listed in the job description were to;

 Perform conservation and science project work  Provide technical support and quality information to staff and partners  Coordinate budgets, expense tracking, organizing and facilitating participatory workshops and;  Provide overall administrative and travel support to the director and staff. As Conservation Planner, I reported to the Director of the Program and worked with conservation and science staff to gather data related conservation planning priorities and other duties and responsibilities listed in the job description (Appendix F).

As the internship progressed, my responsibilities were more clearly defined. A summary of some of my responsibilities are listed in Table 2. For the purposes of this report, they are grouped into three categories;  Organizational training and orientation  Networking, partnerships and training and;  GIS and field support

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Table 2. Summary of Internship Responsibilities

Timeline of Internship Responsibilities

Dates Responsibilities Accomplishments and Duties

January – Internal/external meetings, Achieved a confident understanding of the December webinars, administrative tasks, operational structure and function of TNC and the presentations NCP, in addition to the projects and partnerships which exist at the local, national and regional level.

Organizational training & New Participated in in-person and web-based training and staff orientation tutorials.

Lionfish Control Workshop, Attended workshop and received training in biology, Demonstrations and Collections safety, collections and dissection of lionfish. Participated in 3 collection exercises at demonstration sites around New Providence.

February – Florida & the Caribbean Fire & Selected as the country lead at inaugural Workshop. December Invasives Learning Network Worked with team to conduct Melaleuca control exercise and develop draft Melaleuca control plan.

March  9-12th South Andros REA  Served as safety dive officer and member of marine team  20th Andros West Side Trip  Provided support during trip to the Westside of Andros with the South Andros local government  Provided support to the BEST Commission during  27th BEST BVI Consultants a trip with consultants site visit to Andros June – GEF-IWCAM contract with BEST Reviewed background documentation and revised December original workplan. Contract signed.

Draft, finalize and advertise terms of reference for IWCAM subcontracts (Economic valuation and ecotourism plan)

June Organize prescribed fire Planned, organized and executed a successful two- exercise day exercise with participants from the Fire Division of the RBPF receiving certificates for participation and equipment donation.

August GIS Support for Forestry Reserve Converted hand drawn maps to GIS Proposals

September FLCFILN Workshop Nassau Planned, organized and executed the Melaleuca control training workshop with participants from 4 islands. Worked with task force to draft the management plan.

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Organizational Training and Orientation

Organizational Training

My initial duties and responsibilities centered on familiarizing myself with the structure and function of the Conservancy and the NCP. The Conservancy is a very structured organization, with standard operating procedures (SOP) for almost every duty or task. Some SOPs are specific to certain positions or roles in the organization. In an effort to familiarize and train staff on the Code of Conduct, Policies and Procedures and other systematic responsibilities, TNC has a platform of training opportunities available to new and existing staff.

The majority of training and instruction is executed via web-based tutorials and webinars, primarily due to the economic downturn experienced in the United States at the time. Tutorials existed for almost every aspect of professional experience, including compliance and financial reporting, project management, GIS tools, accessing and utilizing technology and other resources.

New Staff Orientation

In-person training was also made available for staff. In January 2010 I participated in the new staff orientation, at the Archbold Biological Station in Venue Florida. It was a four day immersion exercise that allowed new science staff to interact with leaders in the various branches of TNC. Small group exercises and discussions included covered topics such as, adjusting to the Conservancy and the role of science within our programs and offices.

There were presentations by various branches of the organization, including Philanthropy, marketing and science. Peter Kareiva, the Conservancy’s Chief Scientist led the orientation process along with M. Sanjayan, Lead Scientist, both widely recognized as two of the leading minds in conservation.

The orientation culminated with each participant giving a three minute pitch to a prospective donor in a dinner setting. My pitch was well received by other new members of staff as well as M. Sanjayan, who was the small group leader. I spoke of an encounter I had with a very large rock iguana, while walking on a trail behind a resort on Andros Island. I had never seen one before and the 60 pound creature had blocked my path. There was a moment where our eyes locked and I realized, in that moment, that in my pursuit of higher education, I had lost my connection to the very ecosystems and species I was now working to conserve. The irony was that I was attending a workshop where we were developing a conservation plan for the Andros rock iguana. It was a moment that impacted me in a powerful way.

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Sanjayan shared my “moment” with the wider group of participants afterwards, complimenting me as being a good storyteller. Being able to tell a story, one of conservation or science in general, was something he emphasized the entire week.

The orientation experience was not quite what I had anticipated it would be. Being removed from my daily routine and familiar surrounding for four days with the 30 participants from all around the world really showed me the personal side of TNC. The fact that this expansive organization and its work was, at the end of the day, being carried out by people. Passionate, intelligent and highly skill people, who, like me, just wanted to make a difference in the world. That realization resonated with me and served as a source of inspiration for the rest of my time at TNC.

Networking, Partnerships and Training

Florida & Caribbean Fire & Invasives Learning Network (FFLCFILN)

During my first month with TNC, I was given the opportunity to represent the NCP at the first Caribbean Fire and Invasives Learning Network Workshop, held in Miami, Florida. The network was newly established and aimed to engage stakeholders in six countries and foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise as it relates to fire and invasives. Nine regions were included in the network and up to five participants were invited from each region (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Map of the FLCFILN participating regions.

Participating countries were mostly represented by government agencies responsible for forestry and natural resources in general, including the US Forest Service, Florida Park Service,

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National Environment and Planning Agency (Jamaica) and the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (Puerto Rico). The Bahamas team was comprised of representatives from the Bahamas National Trust, Ministry of Environment, Royal Bahamas Police Force (Fire Division) and the NCP. Representatives gave presentations on the status of fire and invasive plants in their countries, goals were set in small group exercises and a field trip to a pine rockland ecosystem allowed participants to see how fire dependent areas are managed (Figure 7).

Figure 7. S. Moss and participants on a field trip during FLCFILN workshop in Miami, Florida I accepted the nomination as team lead and worked with our core group to host a prescribed fire and wildfire exercise and a Melaleuca control workshop. My past experience in the field of fire and invasive species was a valuable asset to my participation in the FLCFILN. In 2003 I assisted with development of the National Invasive Species Strategy (NISS), which was developed during my second year with the BEST Commission. In 2004, I participated in a TNC led Prescribed Fire Training exercise on Abaco island, a first for the country.

The Bahamas team identified three priorities for the year; provide training for stakeholders on prescribed fire and Melaleuca control and begin the development of the Melaleuca control plan. As team lead, I was responsible for planning, organizing and executing the activities. After the team identified stakeholders to be invited to both events, I drafted and circulated invitations. The FLCFILN funded the activities through TNC and so I was responsible for all of logistics, financial spending and reporting. Participants from 4 islands were invited and staff from the US Park Service and the FL Keys Chapter of TNC provided instruction.

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Prescribed Fire Exercise

Fire-dependent pine forests make up 23 percent of the terrestrial ecosystems in The Bahamas. Forest ecosystems of Bahamian Pine (Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis), a subspecies of Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea), are the world’s largest and most intact pine forest. Southeast Florida and the Florida Keys are the only other places where pine rocklands still exist. In short, managing fires and controlling invasive plants are important management considerations for protecting Bahamian terrestrial ecosystems (Myers 2004).

With adequate fuel amounts and dry conditions, Bahamian pinelands burn year-round. Historic logging on the pine islands has altered the dynamics and structure of the remaining pinelands. Fire conditions in these areas have been documented with most fires occurring early to mid-dry season, with severity and intensity varying, dependent on fuel levels. Fires typically occur over large areas every 1-2 years, with varying patterns. Table 3 below summarizes the current and desire future conditions of Bahamian pinelands as it relates to fire (TNC 2009).

Over the past few years The Nature Conservancy has focused on lobbying the Bahamas government to revise the Forestry Act to include fire management as an integral component in sustainable forestry initiatives. The revitalized legislation would enable the development of forestry management plans for all four of the pine islands (Myers 2004).

Table 3. Summary of current vs. desired future conditions in Bahamian pinelands

Current Condition Desired Future Condition Fire Frequency 1-2 (anecdotal) Unknown (1 to 7-10 yrs.) Fire Type Historically, humans & Prescribed burns will be lightning necessary Size (mosaic-pattern) Typically large landscape fires, Trees of all ages clumped in patterns vary groves/stands Season (time of year) early to mid-dry season dry season (Jan-May) Severity Varies, Fuel dependent No historical records Intensity Varies, Fuel dependent Low intensity, surface fires

In June of 2009 the Bahamas team hosted a prescribed fire exercise for the Fire Division, where TNC and Florida Park Service staff presented on the technical aspects of prescribed fire and provided hands one experiences with equipment specific to prescribed fire. Participants received instruction on the anatomy of wildfires and were introduced to techniques that could be incorporated into their firefighting strategies. The US Park Service donated equipment designed specifically for fighting prescribed fires and participants learned how to utilize the equipment in simulated fire exercises (Figures 8). 14

Figure 8. Participants view the suite of equipment used in managing wildfires

Classroom instruction was supplemented by a simulated wildfire exercise conducted at a popular housing subdivision on New Providence. Participants executed techniques related to approaching and managing wildfires in a populated location. I was responsible for presenting the details of the FLCFILN and the work of the NCP. It was also my responsibility to ensure that logistics ran smoothly. This included arranging air and ground transportation for participants, setting up presentation equipment and materials, and organizing meals and refreshments. Class instruction and equipment inspection and demonstrations took place at the RBPF grounds, where the Fire Division is based.

The majority of the remaining intact pinelands are located on government-owned crown lands, which means that fire management falls under the government’s portfolio. The lack of legal instruments in place to manage fires in pinelands, pose a significant challenge. The need for proper management of these important areas contributes to the conservation community’s support of the current draft Forestry Act. Having the Act in place would allow managers to develop fire management plans and conduct research related to fire and invasives (TNC 2009).

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Melaleuca Control Plan Workshop

During the month of September, the NCP hosted a Melaleuca control plan workshop aimed at educating resource managers and non-profit organizations on the issue of invasiveness of the species and controlling its spread (Appendix G). Stakeholders were invited from the four islands where Melaleuca populations exist (Abaco, Andros, Grand Bahama, and New Providence).

Melaleuca quinquenervi, also known as paper bark or tea tree, grows in stands that can reach up to 100 feet high, with each tree growing up to 90 cm in diameter (Figure 9). Melaleuca was brought to Florida in the 1800s as an ornamental plant, but was eventually used to dry up wetlands in the Everglades (Scoles 2006).

Figure 9. Melaleuca leaves, flowers and bark (Scoles 2006) It quickly forms in areas that are seasonally wet, with stands that are dense and impenetrable. When a tree is stressed by fire or drought, it quickly germinated seeds and each tree can hold up to 50 million seeds in its canopy (Figure 10). The Melaleuca invasion has swept through the Everglades, engulfing over 500,000 acres. Melaleuca has become such a problem in Florida that the sale, possession, or transportation of the plant is prohibited (Scoles 2006).

Figure 10. The resulting thicket produced by saplings from a single tree (Scoles 2006)

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It is currently listed as a noxious weed in numerous US states and has invaded the Everglades of South Florida. It is an aggressive, fire-resistant invader that displaces native species, alters habitat and modifies hydrology. Melaleuca converts predominantly herbaceous freshwater wetlands to tree dominated wetlands which altering the habitat and negatively impacting native species. Additionally, it’s known for its high transpiration rates, which quickly dries up freshwater resources (Scoles 2006). Loss of freshwater is has significant ecological impacts and in The Bahamas, the threat is compounded by the potential impact it could have on the only source of freshwater, groundwater (TNC 2009).

Fires that occur in stands of Melaleuca burn particularly hot as the paper bark not only protects the trunk of the tree, but fuels the fire which quickly moves up the trunk and into the canopy. It is there that the highly volatile oil content of the leaves fuels extremely hot fires. While the blaze appears to be destructive, as seen in Figure 11, the fire actually triggers seed release (Scoles 2006).

Figure 11. Fire in a stand of Melaleuca trees (Scoles 2006)

The threat of a Melaleuca invasion is of particular concern in the northern pine islands of The Bahamas, where the majority of the country’s groundwater is located. Melaleuca infestations have been located on New Providence, Central and North Andros, Grand Bahama and Abaco (Figure 12). Currently the infestations are isolated in relatively small and manageable locations.

During the Melaleuca workshop, goals and objectives for controlling the species were discussed (Appendix H). It was agreed that a draft Melaleuca plan should be formalized and that a task force established to raise awareness, monitor, map and treat the invasive across the affected areas, both of which were achieved at the workshop. 17

Figure 12. Map of Invasive Species Populations in the Northern Bahamas

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All participants agreed to be on the task force and as team lead I was naturally a part of the task force. The goals of the draft plan are to update GIS maps, eradicate known stands of Melaleuca from natural areas and reduce numbers in urban and agricultural areas (Appendix G). Four management options were identified as;

1. No treatment; 2. Mechanically or manually remove plants of all sizes; 3. Treat plants of all sizes with herbicide; 4. Manually remove seedlings and treat all larger plants with herbicide or; 5. An integrated management approach

Of the four options identified, the task force agreed that an integrated management approach be taken, involving all four options and incorporating other management strategies such as fire and hydrologic management (TNC 2009).

Participants were also taught control techniques and were given the opportunity to gain hands on experience in the field. BNT wardens were keen on learning and returning to their islands to implement control measures (Figure 13). This exercise was well received and requests for replicating the control exercises were made by representatives from the visiting participants.

Figure 13. BNT warden applying herbicide to exposed Melaleuca stump 19

One of the benefits the network provides countries is the ability to share experience. Prior to the establishment of this network and the invitation to participate, management approaches in The Bahamas did not look at fire and invasives collectively.

As team lead, I directed our work at the workshop as we explored the effects of fire on various species, executed root cause analyses in small groups and developed goals and timetables for short, medium, and long term goals. I was responsible for note-taking, circulating small group work and coordinating efforts in country. The development of the draft Melaleuca control plan was a significant achievement for The Bahamas. It was a direct result of goals set at the initial workshop held in Miami in 2009 and the second workshop held in December of that year (Figure 14), along with the commitment of the Bahamas team, resource managers and other stakeholders from across the country. We worked collaboratively with TNC staff scientists who were knowledgeable about Bahamian forests and had coordinated fire and invasive exercises in The Bahamas.

Figure 14. S. Moss with FLCFILN participants in Puerto Rico There are several invasive species policies, but most are working drafts which have not reached the implementation stage. In 2003, the NISS was adopted, but implementation has been slow. As is common in small island developing states, resources and funding are limited. The NISS in combination with a Forestry Act that includes fire and invasives management would strengthen efforts to address both the issue of fire and invasives in The Bahamas.

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Lionfish Control Demonstration Project

The first documented sighting of lionfish in The Bahamas was in 2004. Little was known of this Indo Pacific species. In the two years following, it is estimated that the population doubled. Anecdotal sightings were of single lionfish, and within a year sightings of multiple lionfish in any given location were common. Lionfish are now found across The Bahamas and at depths ranging from a few inches to hundreds of meters (Morris 2009).

The problem with lionfish, as with many other invasives, is the lack of natural predators in the ecosystems they invade. The Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) populations are rapidly exploding across the Atlantic and into the Caribbean, devastating coral reef ecosystems. Lionfish can now be found anywhere from Rhode Island to Columbia. It is believed that their introduction into the Atlantic came about as a result of hurricanes and releases from private collections (Green 2009).

Lionfish devastate reef populations a number of ways, but most notably is their effectiveness as predators. They herd any manner of prey into corners and strike quickly and using suction to consume prey whole. Venomous spines located in their pectoral, anal and dorsal fins provide them with an effective defense mechanism. They significantly reduce fish populations and recruitment on reefs and it has been noted that they may be able to withstand existing stressors such as overfishing. They are also known to feed on any species that can fit in their mouths, consuming prey up to 2/3 of their size, including crustaceans (Morris 2009).

While eradication of lionfish in The Bahamas is not a realistic goal, the DMR launched the National Lionfish Response Plan, in an effort to control the invasion. One component of the plan was a training and informational workshop for partner organizations at which the current state of the lionfish invasion was presented. A series of presentations were given related to the distribution, biology, first aid and culinary applications of lionfish. An informational handbook, developed by the DMR, was distributed to participants and training exercises in safe and proper collection techniques were carried out.

I, along with 15 other participants received hands on training in lionfish collection using scuba (Figure 15. Capture and collection protocols designed by the College of The Bahamas’ Marine and Environmental Studies Institute were employed. Several techniques can be employed to collect the species, including live capture, which I found to be the most exciting. During the training exercise we collected over 30 lionfish on a single dive, using four teams of four divers. The training was led by DMR with consultation from the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF). Live specimens were euthanized using eugenol and were placed on ice with the other specimens.

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Figure 15. S. Moss holding a lionfish collected during a training dive At the lab, participants were also trained in the handling and dissections of lionfish. Handling procedures and precautions, measurement and sampling techniques and dissection were executed in teams. External measurements and samples were taken and pelvic, anal and dorsal spines were removed for safe handling. Internal measurements were then taken, including stomach contents and the extraction of the otolith, or ear stones (Figure 16). I received this comprehensive training and became a part of the DMR’s pool of trained volunteers who were periodically called upon to assist with lionfish control.

Figure 16. Participant holding the otolith after removal

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The data collected were added to the newly developed database, coordinated by the College of The Bahamas’ Marine and Environmental Studies Institute. The goal of the database is to gain insight into the physiology, biology and ecology of the species. It is hoped that more clarity on how lionfish populations in The Bahamas are structured. The National Lionfish Response Plan, spearheaded by DMR, has been widely publicized and awareness raising efforts via media outlets and lionfish derbies has exposed the wider population to the presence and threat of this species. The experience was well received by all involved and participants were invited to assist with collection efforts at specific sites. I participated in two additional collection exercises during the 2009 period.

GIS and Field Support

During my internship, I was also responsible for providing GIS support to partners was given to me and was another rewarding aspect of the professional experience. Currently no GIS staff exists within non-profit environmental organizations in The Bahamas. The cost of staffing, training, software and hardware Is more than NGOs can afford. The government has a GIS center that is mandated to meet the needs of government agencies, but the office is understaffed and is also limited in its ability to provide services for nongovernmental entities.

Mapping Natural Resources

The NCP assists its partners whenever possible with the development of GIS maps. Assisting BNT with the development of maps for national parks was especially rewarding for me because when I worked at BNT I experienced firsthand the disadvantage of not having access to GIS as a protected areas management tool. Mapping distribution of species within protected areas and managing threats was major challenge. One of my duties at BNT was to develop the draft proposal for a national park on the island of San Salvador. We had very limited mapping resources and it made the development of the proposal quite difficult.

At TNC, I assisted the BNT and others with developing maps for proposals, presentations and other institutional needs. For the island of Andros, I developed a variety of maps including maps of the Blue Hole National Park on Andros (Figure 17).

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Figure 17. Map of the Blue Hole National Park on Andros Island

Proposed Forestry Reserve Maps

Since the peak of the logging industry there has been an effort to establish a legal instrument to conserve and manage forestry resources in The Bahamas. In 2009, resurgence of this effort was seen as the existing Minister of Environment took a keen interest in moving the proposed legislation forward. The Ministry underwent the process of updating the proposed Forestry Act and revising all associated maps. Antiquated maps and all relevant data were converted to modern GIS (Figure 18). The Draft Forestry Act has not assented to Parliament, but it is expected that draft maps will be vetted by the relevant stakeholders before then.

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Figure 18. Scanned map of Grand Bahama showing hand drawn forestry areas The Minister called on the NCP to assist with updating the maps using GIS and I was responsible for making revisions. The original maps were difficult to acquire and in some instances difficult to interpret due to their deteriorated condition. I worked closely with the forestry officer in reviewing map features and converting schedules accordingly (Appendix I). A series of eight proposed forestry reserve maps were converted from hand drawn records into GIS (Appendix J). There are numerous benefits to converting old maps to GIS including increased accuracy, multiple options for analysis, efficiency in editing, ease of access, sharing and duplication, as shown in Figure 19.

Figure 19. Draft Forestry Map of Grand Bahama created in GIS 25

GIS Data Requests

The Nature Conservancy has a significant amount of GIS data related to species and ecosystems found in The Bahamas. Periodically, requests for GIS data are made. Prior to my arrival as an intern, those requests were sent to the regional Caribbean Data Manager. After becoming familiar with the process, I was given the responsibility of vetting those requests and packaging datasets for electronic transmission to approved persons. The majority of requests came from researchers, students and non-profit organizations. TNC has a data sharing agreement that is given to persons requesting data (Appendix K).

South Andros Rapid Ecological Assessment

The purpose of the South Andros Rapid Ecological Assessment was to collect marine and terrestrial data from remote areas where little to no research has been conducted in the past. A field expedition was conducted in March 2009 onboard the Shedd Aquarium’s R/V Coral Reef II (Figure 20). A team of marine and terrestrial scientists from various organizations participated including resource managers from BNT and DMR, staff from TNC’s NCP, College of the Bahamas students and researchers from various universities.

Figure 20. Shedd Aquarium Research Vessel, R/V Coral Reef II The team was able to collect coral reef, fish, rock iguana and plant data over the 6 day expedition. While I assisted with marine data collection, my primary role on the team was as dive safety officer. The five member dive team conducted 10 dives and numerous surface surveys at various sites over a 4 day period using the AGGRA survey method, despite some bad weather and competing requests for use of the smaller boat.

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Terrestrial surveys of plant communities and iguana populations were conducted on numerous cays and rocks, some of which were being visited by researchers for the first time. Iguana specialist, collected data on the endemic Andros rock iguana (Figure 21). The draft report has yet to be completed, but some of the data collected have been documented in other publications (Knapp 2009).

Figure 21. S. Moss holding juvenile rock iguana as herpetologist collects blood sample

CONCLUSION

Internship Reflection

I was eager to work at TNC given its reputation for conducting and supporting sound science around the world. TNC also has a positive reputation in The Bahamas as it supports conservation partners and influences decision-making at the national scale. The opportunity to be the first GIS staff member in any NGO in the country also appealed to me. It was a chance to demonstrate the value of incorporating GIS into various aspects of environmental work, including environmental management, field research and stakeholder consultations. It was also a chance to show that there are young Bahamians trained in a variety of sciences who wish to not only return home after studying abroad, but if given a chance, would work in the field that they’re trained in.

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At the onset of the internship I was given responsibilities along with the opportunity to exercise my own judgment when planning and executing tasks. Having the latitude to design my own approach to getting work done was refreshing and while it was not unique to my previous professional experience, having the resources and support from my director and the organization was a new experience for me. One of TNC’s strengths is its training of staff and providing support from within the organization. Technical and GIS support is standard at TNC and there was opportunities to fine tune and advance my skills with GIS.

Over the course of my internship I’ve learned a great deal about the organizational structure and function of TNC and I found that, in The Bahamas, the NCP is meeting a very critical need in the conservation arena. While its methods and approaches are not typical of the wider TNC organizational strategy, it is one that is welcomed in The Bahamas and is proving to be successful. I expected work at TNC would be data and science focused and while that is a component of the NCP strategy, the NCP is making a difference in The Bahamas through partnerships at the national and local level. The work being done and the success achieved by the NCP are a direct result of effectively executing partnerships, as well as science.

One of the main challenges in working for a large NGO is the learning curve. Starting at TNC, I expected that there would be a sharp learning curve, but nothing can really prepare you for working at one of the largest environmental NGOs in the world. New staff members are expected to get up to speed relatively quickly with the complex structure and compliance requirements of the organization. These complex policies and procedures pose a challenge for new and existing staff as they seek to get work done on a daily basis.

At the NCP, because the staff is so small each staff member is responsible for all aspects of the projects they’re working on, including; financial, operational and sometimes secretarial duties. Multiple projects with complex deliverables and sometimes conflicting deadlines resulted in working beyond the listed hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Finding a balance between work and personal life was a challenge for me and my colleagues.

There was never a dull moment at the NCP. There always seemed to be something happening within the program that required everyone to be involved. Most days it was exciting, but on occasion it was a challenge to stay focused on what was expected of me. Other staff members experienced the same challenge and with the staff being small, it was expected that staff would lend each other a hand when needed. This often required finding a balance by setting limits and communicating consistently and clearly what I could and could not assist with.

I enjoyed the GIS work and found reward in lending my expertise to other organizations and do my job at the same time. Most of all I gleaned the most reward from working at the community level, particularly on Andros Island. Helping partner organizations with mapping was also a

28 gratifying experience for me. I feel as though my professional career has full circle, from working as a divemaster, to working for the BEST Commission, BNT and now TNC. I’ve experienced the full breadth of the government and non-profit environmental arena.

Overall I am grateful for the opportunity to work at TNC and proud of the work I was able to accomplish and the relationships I established. Over the internship period, I was able to lend my experience and knowledge to an organization that is influencing change at the local level and at the national level through government relations. I have also learned a significant amount from my colleagues at the NCP, the wider TNC and partner NGOs. I enjoyed meeting with and engaging stakeholders across the islands and other resource managers throughout the Caribbean and internationally. It was a rewarding experience that allowed me to make a difference.

The Impact of the IES

The problem-solving methodology, which is at the core of the IES program provides the framework for addressing complex environmental issues and it also allows me as a professional to strategically think through how to address real world challenges.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Principles and Application of Environmental Science course, which was structured differently from any other course I had taken previously. Having different speakers present during each class on their areas of expertise was a fitting approach to teaching the multidisciplinary field of Environmental Science.

The Environmental Policy class was one that resonated with me beyond my time at IES, especially during my internship. Discussions, presentations and exercises that emphasized the political process and its importance, policy analysis and the role of science in policy making, laid a foundation of understanding that I had not acquired prior to joining the IES program. As a result, I was able to understand the value of the NCP’s focus on influencing decision making and not only sound science. It takes both to effectively make a difference.

Aerial photography, remote sensing and GIS courses provided me with the technical expertise to carry out my internship responsibilities. The tropical marine ecology and coral reef ecology course were also valuable and helped to fine tune my skills and knowledge. Those courses helped me to improve in my interpersonal and communication skills, as I worked with groups of students of all ages and backgrounds and assisted professors with planning and executing courses in other states and countries.

The communication and interpersonal skills combined with the practical application of GIS I experienced through the public service project requirement was a particularly valuable to me as a professional. The PSP requirement was the most comprehensive course offering a real world

29 scenario where a student team was put together to help a client address a pressing environmental issue. The year-long Oxford Deer Project gave me hands on experience in working with a team of people with various backgrounds, levels of experiences and levels of interest. The fieldwork conducted under the PSP allowed me to utilize the principles and techniques I learned in my graduate level courses, particularly Principles and Application of Environmental Science, Environmental Policy and GIS-related courses. The value of seeing a project through from start to finish cannot be underscored enough. It allowed me to identify my strengths and weakness as a team member, leader, scientist and collaborator. The dynamic of having a client to whom the team provides this service also adds to the real-world experience.

Ultimately, I am grateful for my experiences at Miami University. IES is a program that has tremendous value for environmental professionals, whatever their background. The program and its interdisciplinary courses provide students with a well-rounded learning experience. The faculty and staff do an outstanding job selecting students who would add value to the program and they provide a learning environment that functions in a way that not only meets Miami’s standards, but also produces well rounded students who enter the workplace well-equipped to tackle real challenges in the environmental field.

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REFERENCES

Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission (BEST) Commission. 2002. Bahamas Environmental Handbook. The Government of The Bahamas. Nassau, The Bahamas.

Bahamas National Trust (BNT). 2006. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park Management Plan. Nassau, The Bahamas.

Department of Statistics. 2000. The 2000 Census of Population and Housing Tables (All Bahamas). Government of The Bahamas.

S. J. Green and M. I. Cote. 2008. “Record Densities of Indo-Pacific Lionfish on Bahamian Coral Reefs.” Coral Reefs 28(1):107

John Hammerton and Susan Larson, eds. 1999. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan – The Bahamas. Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission (BEST) Commission. The Government of The Bahamas. Nassau, The Bahamas.

International Monetary Fund (IMF). 2009. The Bahamas: 2009 Article IV Consultation – Staff Report; Staff Supplement; and Public Information Notice on the Executive Board Discussion. Washington, D.C. Accessed on December 2009. http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2009/cr09189.pdf

Kimberly Jones. 2008. “TNC’s Marine Protected Area Work in the Caribbean.” Powerpoint presentation at the IABIN Indicators Mechanism Workshop. Ocho Rios, Jamaica. 10-12 March 2008.

Kerzner Marine Foundation. 2009. “Kerzner Blue Project.” Accessed December 2009.

Knapp, C. and Pagni, L (eds.) 2009. Andros Iguana: Conservation Action Plan, 2005–2011. Conservation Department, John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois : IUCN/SSC Iguana Specialist Group. 24pp. http://www.iguanafoundation.org/files/0f08b213-2772-4b69-9e78-494bcfb07060.pdf

James A. Morris and P. Whitfield. 2009. Biology, Ecology, Control and Management of the Invasive Indo-Pacific Lionfish: An Updated Integrated Assessment. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 99. 57 pp. available online:

James A. Morris and John L. Akins. 2009. “Feeding Ecology of Invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans) in the Bahamian Archipelago.” Environ Biol Fish 86:389-398.

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Peter J. Mumby and Harborne AR. 2010. “Marine reserves enhance the recovery of corals on Caribbean Reefs.” PloS One 5: e8657

Ron Myers, D. Wade, and Chris Bergh. Fire Management Assessment of the Caribbean Pine (Pinus caribea) Forest Ecosystems on Andros and Abaco Islands, Bahamas. GFI publication no. 2004-1. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA. Accessed June 2009

J. C. Scoles, P.D. Pratt, C.S. Silvers, K.A. Langeland, M.J. Meisenburg, A.P. Ferriter, K.T. Gioeli, and C.J. Gray. 2006. The Land Manager’s Handbook on Integrated Pest Management of Melaleuca quinquenervia.

SENES Consultants Limited, comp. 2005. National Capacity Needs Self-Assessment. Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission (BEST) Commission. The Government of The Bahamas. Nassau, The Bahamas.

Sullivan-Sealey et al. 2002. Ecoregional Plan for The Bahamian Archipelago. Taras Oceanographic Foundation, Jupiter, Florida.

Jack Sobel and Craig Dahlgren. 2004. Marine Reserves: A Guide to Science, Design, and Use. Island Press, 1718 Connecticut Ave., Suite 300, NW, Washington, DC 20009.

The Nature Conservancy. 2009. “2009 Annual Report: Conservation Connections.”

The Nature Conservancy. 2009. “2009 Financial Report with Report of Independent Auditors. 2009.”

The Nature Conservancy. 2009. “History and Milestones of The Nature Conservancy.” Accessed December 2009.

Kim E. Thurlow and Mike Palmer. 2007. The Bahamas Ecological Gap Analysis. The Nature Conservancy, Northern Caribbean Program. Nassau, The Bahamas.

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APPENDICES

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APPENDIX A: NCP PARTNERS IN THE BAHAMAS

NCP Government Agency Partners in The Bahamas

GOVERNMENT MINISTRY RESPONSIBILITIES WEB ADDRESS AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE Bahamas Ministry of the To manage the implementation of www.best.bs Environment Environment multilateral environmental agreements Science and and reviews environmental impact Technology (BEST) assessments and environmental Commission management plans for development projects within The Bahamas. Department of Ministry of the  Environment Control www.bahamas. Environmental Environment  Solid Waste Collection and Disposal gov.bs Health  Public Sanitation  Beautification and Maintenance of Roadsides, Sidewalks and Road Verges, Parks and Beaches Department of Ministry of Lands  Lands and Survey www.bahamas. Lands and Surveys and Local  Acquisition of Lands gov.bs Government  Crown and Government Land- Grants and Leases Department of Ministry of Lands  Relations with Local Government www.bahamas. Local Government and Local Authorities gov.bs Government  Local Improvement Associations Department of Ministry of  Fisheries and marine resources www.bahamas. Marine Resources Agriculture & gov.bs Marine Resources Ministry of the n/a  BEST Commission www.bahamas. Environment  Department of Environmental Services gov.bs

Ministry of n/a Care and management of the www.bahamas. Finance Government's financial resources. gov.bs Ministry of n/a To make it increasingly easier to create, www.bahamas. Tourism sell, and deliver satisfying vacations to com the individual islands of The Bahamas. Royal Bahamas Ministry of  Maintenance of law and order; www.royalbah Police Force National Security  Preservation of the peace; amaspolice.org  Prevention, detection and investigation of crime;  Apprehension of offenders;  Enforcement of all laws with which it is charged. Water and Ministry of Works The only water resource authority and www.wsc.com. Sewerage regulating agency for water and bs Corporation sewerage in the Bahamas.

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APPENDIX B: LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL NGOS

Environmental NGOs in The Bahamas

NAMES OF YEAR OFFICE AREAS OF MISSION NGOS ESTABLISHED LOCATIONS INTEREST Friends of the 1988 Abaco Abaco and To preserve and protect Abaco's Environment surrounding marine and terrestrial cays environments in order to achieve sustainable living for the wildlife and people of Abaco, Bahamas. Andros 1997 Andros Andros and To protect, preserve, restore and Conservancy surrounding enhance the natural resources of and Trust cays Andros Island and its marine environment through education, conservation and management for future generations. Bahamas Reef 1993 New Country-wide To promote a sustainable Environment Providence relationship between Bahamians, Educational visitors and our Marine Foundation Environment.

Bahamas 1959 Andros, New Country-wide, To conserve the natural and National Trust Providence including historical resources of The and Grand National Park Bahamas. Bahama System Kerzner Marine 2007 Paradise Global (funds To preserve and enhance global Foundation Island The Blue marine ecosystems through Project in The scientific research, education and Bahamas) community outreach. Nature’s Hope 2001 Andros Mangrove Cay, The primary objectives of the for South South Andros organization are to promote Andros and sustainable tourism, ecosystem surrounding and fisheries protection, and cays increase conservation awareness within the community. In order to achieve this, Nature’s Hope has placed much of their efforts on community outreach and education in Mangrove Cay and South Andros. reEarth 1990 New Country-wide To increase public awareness and Providence understanding of environmental issues.

Indicates partners involved with the NISP

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APPENDIX C: PROTECTED AREAS

Bird Reserves

The Wild Birds Protection Act was established in 1905 and subsequent orders were given in 1954, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1962 and 1965.The Act protects all wild birds year round, with the exception of designated game birds. These areas were established by the Ministry of the Environment, while hunting of game birds is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Island Wild Bird Reserves Andros Big Green Cay, Washerwoman Cut Cays, Grassy Creek Cays, High Cay, Joulter Cays, Dolly Cay, Sister Rocks and Pigeon Cay.

Berry Island Mamma Rhoda Cay

Cat Island Little San Salvador and Goat Cay

Eleuthera Water Cay, Wood Cay, Cedar Cay, Bottle Cay and Finley Cay Exuma Betty Cay, Big Derby Island, Big Galliot Cay, Channel Cays, Cistern Cay, Rock off Hog Cay, Flat Cay, Goat Cay, Guana Cay, Harvey Cay, Little Derby Island, Leaf Cay and Pigeon Cay New Adelaide Creek, Cable Beach Golf Course, the Caves, Lake Cunningham, Goulding Cay, Providence Lakeview, Paradise Island, Prospect Ridge, Prospect Water Works, Red Sound, Skyline Heights, Twin Lakes, Waterloo and Westward Villas

Marine Reserves

In 2008, five marine reserves, representing 509.42 square kilometers (125,880 acres), were designated and fall under the portfolio of the Department of Marine Resources. These sites were selected based on representation, replication, size and distribution and they serve as the first sites selected from the list of proposed sites for the network of marine reserves.

Marine Date Island Size Description Reserve established (sq. km) North Bimini 2008 Bimini 30.60 Established to protect mangrove forests, seagrass beds, bonefish flats, coral reefs and lagoons. Crab Cay 2008 Abaco 95.16 Established to protect mangroves, seagrass and coral reef habitat. Jewfish Cay 2008 Exuma 145.52 Established to protect mangrove, bonefish, spiny lobster and tidal creek habitats. No Name Cay 2008 Abaco 101.83 Established to protect reef habitat and a Nassau Grouper spawning aggregation site. South Berry 2008 Berry 136.31 Established to protect coral reefs, seagrass Islands Islands habitat and nursery grounds for queen conch.

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National Parks

The existing twenty-five national parks in The Bahamas are managed by the Bahamas National Trust. These parks are located on eight major islands and cover over 660,000 acres of land and sea.

Name Date Location Size (acres) Description established Exuma Cays 1958 Exuma 112,640 Created in 1958 this 176 square mile park Land and Sea was the first of its kind in the world and is Park famous for its pristine beauty, outstanding anchorages and breathtaking marine environment. It is the first marine fishery reserve established in the Caribbean. Since being declared a no-take marine area in 1986, the park has come to has been documented to support significantly higher populations of marine life, especially commercially important species. The park has also been demonstrated to support marine life more than a hundred miles away Southern Long Island where groupers tagged in the park have been found. Inagua 1965 Great 183,740 This important waterfowl habitat comprises National Inagua 287 square miles of Great Inagua Island. The Park site is considered to hold the world’s largest breeding colony (approx. 50,000) of West Indian Flamingos. In 1997, the Inagua National Park was recognized as wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Inagua’s interior gives way to Lake Windsor and it is here among the cays and mangrove stands that substantive number of other waterbird species can be found. These include Tri- colored Herons, Great Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills, Brown Pelicans, White Cheeked Pintails and West Indian Whistling Ducks can be found. A multitude of other avian species reside and /or winter in Inagua and the island is becoming important for bird watching and other nature tourism. Union Creek 1965 Great 4,940 Seven square miles of a very healthy tidal Reserve Inagua creek on Great Inagua. The reserve has for more than twenty years served as an important research site for sea turtles, especially the Green Turtle. It is similarly important as a protective, nutrient rich

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habitat for juvenile stocks of various marine species. Peterson Cay 1968 Grand 1.5 A one and half acre low-lying limestone cay. National Bahama It is the only cay off Grand Bahama’s leeward Park shore. It is an important area for nesting seabirds. Conception 1971 Conception 2,100 An important sanctuary for migratory birds, Island Island sea birds and green turtles. It also has great National (North of historical importance, being one of the Park Rum Cay) islands in the Bahamas on which Christopher Columbus was known to have landed. Pelicans Cay 1972 Abaco 2,100 Located 8 miles of north of Cherokee Sound, Land and Sea Great Abaco, this 2,100 acre land and sea Park area is a sister park to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. It contains beautiful undersea caves, extensive coral reefs and abounds with terrestrial plant and animal life. Lucayan 1977 Grand 40 East of Freeport, Grand Bahama, this 40 acre National Bahama park encompasses the longest known Park underwater cave system in the world with over six miles of caves and tunnels already charted. Above ground it exhibits every vegetative zone found in the Bahamas. The Retreat 1977 New 11 An eleven acre garden of rare and exotic Providence palms and native coppice in residential Nassau. It houses one of the largest private collections of palms in the world. The area is an important green space in heavily urban eastern New Providence, and as such is of critical importance for both resident and migratory birds on the island. The Administrative headquarters of The Bahamas National Trust is located at The Retreat. Black Sound 1988 Abaco 2 Located off Green Turtle Cay in Abaco, this Cay Reserve miniature park comprises a thick stand of mangrove vegetation and is an important habitat for waterfowl and other avifauna which winter in the region. Tilloo Cay 1990 Abaco 11 Eleven acres of wild and pristine natural Reserve environment that provides nesting for Tropicbirds as well as other seabirds. The Rand 1992 Grand 100 Acquired by The Bahamas National Trust in Nature Bahama 1992 the Rand Nature Centre comprises 100 Centre acres of Caribbean pine forest in the heart of downtown Freeport, Grand Bahama. The Centre houses the administrative office of the BNT in Grand Bahama. The Rand Nature

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Centre is the renowned for its environmental educational programmes on Grand Bahama. Abaco 1994 Abaco 20,500 Established on May 9, 1994 to protect the National major habitat of the Abaco population of the Park endangered Bahama Parrot, the Abaco National Park comprises 20,500 acres in Southern Abaco. The park is dominated by Caribbean pine forest, but it also contains substantive acreage of broadleaf coppice, the other major habitat required by the parrot for foraging. Bonefish 2002 New 1,280 Bonefish Pond lies on the south central coast Pond Providence of New Providence. It is an important marine nursery area for the island, providing a protective, nutrient rich habitat for juvenile stocks of fish, crawfish, and conch. This area supports a wide variety of waterfowl and an important variety of Bahamian flora. The wetland itself provides critical protection from storm surges to communities along New Providence’s southern shore. The educational and ecotourism potential of this wetland area is significant. Central 2002 Andros 286,080 This first phase of park designation focuses Andros Park on Central Andros – North Bight, Fresh Creek, Areas (this is Blanket Sound, Young Sound, and Staniard 5 protected Creek. These five areas contain pine forests, areas) blue holes, coral reefs, wetlands and mangroves. Their designation paves the way for additional protection in the North and South Great Hope 2002 West coast 3.6 Eighteenth century ruins consisting of a main House and of Crooked house, separate kitchen, guest house and Marine Island hurricane structure. Marine Farm is 4.5 miles Farms north of Great Brine Pond and one mile (this is 2 northeast of Landrail Point. These two protected Loyalist compounds include a military battery areas) and plantation with a main house and kitchen. Harrold and 2002 New 250 Located in South Central New Providence, Wilson Providence Harrold and Wilson Ponds encompass 250 Ponds acres. It is especially important habitat for waterbirds and is home to more than 100 avian species. It indeed hosts the island's highest concentration of herons, egrets, ibises and cormorants. The area is considered to be indispensable habitat fir birdlife on New

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Providence. An exceptional educational and ecotourism site, a stone’s throw from the nation’s capital and tourism hub, these areas are an invaluable addition to the country’s national park system. Little Inagua 2002 Little 31,360 Remote inaccessible and with no fresh water, Inagua Little Inagua is by far the largest uninhabited (Northeast island in the Wider Caribbean. The island of Great exists in a natural undisturbed state and the Inagua) biodiversity implications and values of this are enormous. Ocean currents flow through the Bahamas from the southeast to the northwest. As a result, Little Inagua is upstream of the rest of the country. Its surrounding waters contribute to the supply of fisheries eggs, larvae, and sub-adults that are swept into other parts of the Bahamian marine territory. Park designation increases the percentage of marine ecosystem under protection for fishery replenishment purposes. Additionally, Little Inagua is a documented nesting location for critically endangered sea turtle species Moriah 2002 Exuma 13,440 Moriah Harbour Cay and its marine environs Harbour Cay are a vital part of the ecosystem between Great and Little Exuma. It encompasses pristine beaches, sand dunes, mangrove creeks, and sea grass beds. A variety of birdlife nests there, including gull-billed and least terns, nighthawks, plovers, oystercatchers ospreys. The mangroves serve as important nursery habitat for juvenile stocks of fish, crawfish, and conch, gray snappers, yellowtails and groupers. Landward, palmettos, buttonwoods, bay cedar, and sea oats work in concert, providing stability, nutrients, and beauty to the ecosystem. Moriah harbour Cay is an outstanding example of the Bahamian coastal zone and is important part of the national park system. Primeval 2002 New 7.5 This small remnant tropical broadleaf forest Forest Providence is remarkably relatively undisturbed. This old- growth forest is representation of the early evergreen tropical hardwood forests of the Bahamas. Located in the southwest portion of New Providence, this are features dramatic

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sinkholes- unique limestone “caverns” up to 50 feet long, 30 feet wide, and in some cases 30 feet deep. Similar features elsewhere in the Bahamas have provided fossil and subfossil remains of Bahamian fauna as well as Lucayan and Bahamian artifacts. The Primeval Forest supports a diverse collection of plant life, as well as various species of wildlife. Walker’s Cay 2002 Abaco 3,840 The northernmost island in the Bahamas. Walker’s Cay is fringed by its own barrier reef. The stunning coral formations and surrounding marine environment host schools of pompano and amberjack, large marine predators, such as sharks and barracudas, multitudes of colorful tropical fish, turtles and eagle rays. Renowned for underwater cathedrals teeming with unprecedented concentrations of fish, visibility that reaches 100 feet and an endless variety of marine life, this underwater paradise is a mecca for divers. Fowl Cays 2009 Abaco 1,920 The Fowl Cays National Park is located near National most central Abaco Cays and settlements. Park The park has steadily become attractive to scuba divers and is an extremely popular area for local boating and snorkeling. The reefs and three 25' to 40' dive spots in untouched waters are renowned. National 1958-2002 8 islands 664,366.60 The 2009 BNT annual report states that Park System and numerous cays

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APPENDIX D: BNT GOVERNING COUNCIL

The BNTs Governing Council

Name Organization John Bethel Private Sector Michael T. Braynen Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources Daniel Brumbaugh American Museum of Natural History Teresa Butler Governor-General’s Representative Angela Cleare Ministry of Tourism Nancy Clum Wildlife Conservation Society Lawrence Glinton Private Sector Dan Kimball US Park Service Craig Lee Audubon Society Earlston McPhee Ministry of Tourism D. Stewart Morrison Private Sector Valerie Paul Smithsonian Institute R. Pamela Reid University of Miami Robin Symonette Private Sector Nakira Wilchcombe Governor-General’s Representative

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APPENDIX E: MARINE AREAS SELECTED BY THE DMR

List of Sites Considered by the DMR Scientific Review Panel to be included in the Proposed Marine Reserve Network

1(i): Abaco - Walkers Cay, 1(ii): Abaco - Walkers Cay and Grand Cay

The area around Walker’s Cay includes extensive healthy reef and some seagrass areas. The reef is heavily dived by a resort on the cay. Walker’s Cay is developed and there is no remaining mangrove. Expanding the park to include Grand Cay would include mangrove habitat, but would also encompass traditional fishing grounds.

2: Grand Bahama - Peterson Cay

Peterson’s Cay is a 1.5 acre cay about 1.5 miles off Grand Bahamas southern shore, and is one of the few cays off southern Grand Bahama. The cay is currently a National Park and recreational area. It is proposed to extend the Park into the surrounding marine area; however it would still be relatively small.

3: Abaco - Nun Jack Cay (Man Jack Cay) to Green Turtle Cay

These cays are situated on the Abaco barrier reef, and the proposed park area includes healthy reef, seagrass and mangrove areas. There are fishing communities on the cays and the proposed area is fished by local residents and visiting yachts.

4: Abaco - The Marls

The Marls is a large site in the apex of the Great Abaco Bight, characterized by shallow water, mud and mangroves. While this site is large and may provide nursery for crawfish and certain fish species, habitat diversity is low. Human interference appeared to be low, given the difficulties of access by both land and water. No settlements are nearby. The site could be important for waterfowl.

5(i): Abaco - Pelican Cays, 5(ii): Abaco - Pelican Cays to Little Harbor

The Pelican Cays are a 1-mile long series of small privately owned cays and rocky ledges along the eastern shelf of Great Abaco. The existing Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park is a 2,100 acre area that includes limited coral reef areas. Given its small size, the panel considered an expanded area (site 5ii), which included the entire shelf from North Pelican Cay to Little Harbor on the mainland of Great Abaco. This provides an extensive coral reef area off Lynyard Cay, large seagrass beds and mangroves west of the cays, and the inner part of Little Harbor. In the extreme western section of Little Harbor, there are 24 marine blue holes with unusual coral formations and reef fish communities.

6: North Bimini - East

The eastern half of Bimini Sound and adjacent waters contain mangrove and seagrass habitats. The mangrove system is an important nursery habitat for lemon sharks (researched by the Bimini Biological Field Station) as well as commercially important species. Because it is one of the few mangrove systems 43 on the western edge of the Great Bahama Banks, it may be an important nursery area for many species on a regional scale. Catch-and-release bonefishing is important within the proposed reserve area.

7: Cat Cay

Cat Cay and South Cat Cay are similar to Bimini geographically, but do not possess the extensive mangrove system of Bimini. A reserve in this area would protect coral reef and some bank habitats, primarily bare substrate and some seagrass. Because of its location and small size, it is not likely to have large regional ecological importance. Because Cat Cay is a private club, there may be support for creating a reserve around the island.

8(i): Berry Islands - Frozen/Alder Cays, 8(ii): Berry Islands - Frozen to Whale Cay

Frozen and Alder Cay are two small, privately owned cays in the eastern Berry Islands. The habitat around Frozen and Alder Cays includes seagrass meadows and some coral reef formations on the narrow island shelf; however the proposed reserve would be too small to be valuable for fisheries purposes. The owners of these private islands have expressed interest in supporting a marine reserve, however it is reported that they may be for sale. Expanding the proposed site to include the area between Frozen and Whale Cay would protect extensive coral reefs offshore from Whale Cay and Bond Cay, as well as extensive seagrass beds known to support large numbers of conch. The increase in size would increase spawner biomass and provide greater benefit to the entire region.

9a: Andros - Joulter Cays

This site includes extensive coral reefs on the eastern edge of the shelf, particularly in the south. Large expanses of seagrass are found on the shallow bank, interspersed with sand banks and tidal channels. Mangroves fringe the southern part on the main island of Andros. This site appears to have excellent habitat for juvenile and adult stages of conch, lobster and reef fishes.

9b: Andros - Central

The Andros Conservancy and Trust / Bahamas National Trust have proposed the designation of several terrestrial and marine areas of Central Andros to be included in a protected area zoned for several purposes. The zoning plans calls for two no-take marine reserves that extend from the high tide line to the 100 fathom line. These areas, totaling about 16-18 square miles extend from shore to the shelf edge and contain a diversity of habitats (mangrove, seagrass, patch reefs, barrier reef). Because these areas are located close to a community, and allow non-consumptive uses, they are likely to provide benefits related to diving and ecotourism, industries which are growing rapidly in Central Andros.

10a(i): New Providence - Southwest Reef (as proposed), 10a(ii) New Providence - Southwest Reef (no-take)

This area, proposed as a reserve by Ocean Watch and the Bahamas National Trust, runs along the drop- off, and contains coral reefs that are healthy and heavily dived, including an area used to feed sharks. The area also includes traditional fishing grounds, particularly during the muttonfish spawning season.

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As proposed, fishing would be limited to certain gear types in most of the area, with some areas designated as no-take reserves. Fishing would continue to be permitted on the muttonfish spawning aggregation. Because few small areas are being proposed as no-take reserves, there will be little negative impact to fishing in the area; however, the ecological benefits provided by the reserve are likely to be minimal. Designating the entire proposed area as no-take would provide increased ecological benefits, particularly if the muttonfish spawning aggregation was included, however it would also be problematic socially.

10b: New Providence - Sea Garden

The “Sea Garden” is an area east of Nassau where glass bottom boats take tourists to observe fish feeding. There are apparently many fish in this area despite the absence of high quality habitats, probably because fish are fed regularly. Given that the habitat is degraded and that little or no fishing takes place in this area currently, it is likely that the ecological benefits of a reserve in this area would be minimal.

11: Eleuthera - Harbour Island

Harbour Island is separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon area with large amounts of seagrass and small mangrove covered cays. The reef offshore from Harbour Island is healthy and used by several dive centers in the area. There is a small local fishery in and around Harbour Island, as well as numerous visiting recreational fishermen, however the island’s main industry is tourism and it is likely that this industry would benefit from the presence of a reserve.

12: Eleuthera - East

The Atlantic side of Eleuthera has a relatively narrow shelf edge fringed with coral reefs. There are unconfirmed reports from locals that the proposed reserve area would include reefs with the soft coral Pseudopterogorgia spp. Species within this genus are being examined by chemical ecologists for possible use in pharmaceuticals.

13(i): Eleuthera - Powell Point, 13(ii): Eleuthera - Powell Point/Schooner Cays

The initial proposal for this site was east and north of Powell Point. This includes some seagrass meadows and a narrow area of reef tract at the shelf edge; however, much of the area is sandy bottom with little habitat. On the recommendation of the Department of Fisheries, site 13(i) was moved to the west side of Powell Point, which includes a narrow shelf with a band of seagrass and well-developed reef. With the boundaries expanded to include the Schooner Cays, the area includes large areas of seagrass and deeper hard-bottom habitat which are known to provide important nursery grounds for crawfish and conch. The Schooner Cays are fished heavily for conch.

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14: Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

As one of the largest no-take marine reserves in the world, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park has been shown to be effective at conserving biomass of commercially important species, and may support fisheries outside of its boundaries. These benefits may be attributed to the fact that the park is entirely no-take, a large area containing a wide variety of essential habitats, and located in an area where currents may export larvae to other suitable areas. It is included in this report for purposes of comparison.

15: Green Cay

Green Cay is an isolated island on the eastern side of the Tongue of the Ocean with no permanent dwellings; however, it provides an anchorage and a fishing ground. Coral reefs are found along the southern and eastern shoreline and around the rocks and ledges extending eastwards from the cay over the Great Bahama Bank. There are areas of mangrove and seagrass beds although the seagrass beds are relatively sparse.

16: Little San Salvador

The area around Little San Salvador contains coral reef areas along the windward shore and to the east towards Cat Island (around Long Rocks). The central lagoon provides a variety of nursery habitats including seagrass and mangroves. Although there is no permanent settlement on the island, it is a stopping point for cruise ships and appears to be occupied at most times. This may facilitate reserve acceptance and enforcement.

17: Cat Island - North

The northwest shore of Cat Island has limited patch-reef development, some seagrass, and mangroves; however, this site has relatively low habitat complexity. Habitats become increasingly diverse with proximity to Little San Salvador.

18: Cat Island - Old Bight

The wide shelf on the south of Cat island contains several small patch reefs, and some mangrove creek/macroalgal nursery systems; however the majority of the substrate appears to be bare sand. Studies of lobster and conch in Exuma Sound suggest that this area may receive high levels of larval settlement, but it is not a productive area for either species.

19: Exuma Cays - Lee Stocking Island

The area around Lee Stocking Island (including other islands in the southern Exumas and the Brigantines) contain a diversity of habitats including mangroves, seagrass beds, patch reefs, and offshore reefs. All these habitats have been well studied by scientists at the Caribbean Marine Research Center on Lee Stocking Island. The presence of a no-take control area for these scientists would be extremely valuable.

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20: Great Exuma - Jewfish Cay

The chain of cays on the bank side of Great Exuma contain mangrove areas surrounded primarily by bonefish flats. There is apparently little fishing in this area at the present except for catch and release bonefishing. Although the local community is supportive of a reserve, there is no nearby settlement to help enforce it.

21: Long Island - North

This site includes an excellent mixture of windward and leeward coral reefs, and onshore seagrass and mangroves around Calabash Bay and Glenton Sound. Tidal channels flowing into the bay and sounds may provide important juvenile habitat for a variety of fish species and lobster. A grouper spawning aggregation site near Cape Santa Maria also makes this a very high priority site for protection. A dive operation at Stella Maris uses the reef in this area and may be supportive of a reserve.

22: Conception Island

The island, approximately 2.5 miles long, is surrounded by relatively pristine coral reefs and seagrass beds to the south, east and north. A barrier reef extends 3 miles to the north and appears to be particularly healthy. Aerial surveys revealed dozens of sharp, pinnacle-form reefs in the area east of the island and barrier reef. This site already has some protection because of its status as a land reserve for migratory birds and nesting turtles administered by the Bahamas National Trust, and because of its remote location, exposure and lack of safe harbor.

23(i): San Salvador - West, 23(ii): San Salvador - Northeast

The proposed marine reserve in western San Salvador (around Cockburn Town) is located in an area that is fished occasionally, but is used primarily by local dive boats. However the reefs are better developed in the north and east, which is less dived and fished because of exposure to rough weather. Both areas contain small patches of seagrass, and the island as a whole has extensive mangroves. In addition, San Salvador is home to the Bahamas Field Station which is located on the north shore.

24: Rum Cay

The eastern side of Rum Cay has a relatively narrow shelf with extensive patch reefs inshore from the shelf edge. It also contains the entrance to the island’s only lagoon system, which may contain important nursery habitats. South of Port Nelson, there are extensive sand areas. A reserve that includes some of the eastern shelf of Rum Cay may support local fisheries.

25: Long Island - Sandy Cay

The area around Sandy Cay on the west side of Long Island appears to contain primarily nursery habitat types such as mangroves, and possibly macroalgae and seagrass. Little information is available about nearby reefs, or the importance of any nursery areas within the boundaries of the proposed reserve.

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26: Crooked Island - Northwest

The reserve proposed at the northwestern corner of Crooked Island contains a section of the shelf which has patch reefs on a narrow shelf, plus a section of the mangrove fringed lagoon opening onto the Bight. The panel recommends that the reefs surrounding Bird Rock and Portland Harbor be included so that the most extensive reefs are protected, along with a spawning aggregation reported in that area.

27: Acklins - Northeast

The northeast corner of Acklins Island has an intricate mixture of tidal channels, seagrass meadows, mangroves and reefs that should provide abundant habitat for juvenile and adult targeted species. A relatively small reserve could protect a high diversity of habitat in this system. There are reportedly problems with illegal fishing in the area.

28: Mayaguana - Pirates’ Well

The area between Pirates’ Well and Northeast Point appears to contain a barrier reef and lagoon system. Because it is located near a settlement, it is likely to provide benefits to the local community, and may promote community participation in reserve management. There are repeatedly problems with illegal fishing in the area.

29: Hogsty Reef

This is a small (4-mile long) atoll-like coral reef formation between Acklins and Great Inagua. The reef is known for high fish diversity and should be protected as a truly unique habitat within the greater Caribbean region. There is no nearby community for monitoring this site; however, it is partially protected by its remote location and extreme exposure to ocean swell.

30: Great Inagua - North

The proposed reserve on the northwest corner of the island includes marine areas adjacent to the largest terrestrial park in the Bahamas. Habitats include reefs, seagrass, mangroves, and sandy beach. The southern position of the island gives it high potential for providing larvae to downstream nurseries.

31: Grand Bahama - Sweetings Cay

This site is comprised of extensive mangrove islands separated by tidal channels with seagrass meadows along the western shelf and coral reefs and rock ledges to the west and south. This site appears to have abundant habitat for larger juvenile and adult conch, lobster and reef fishes, but may be heavily fished.

32: Grand Bahama - North

A marine reserve was considered for the north shore of Grand Bahama because of the existing land park (Lucayan National Park) and to provide another site on the Little Bahama Bank. However, this site has low habitat diversity, mostly sand and mangrove, and the potential for exporting larvae was considered to be low.

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33: Cay Sal Bank

Little ecological information exists for this large bank to the west of the Great Bahama Bank. It appears to be fringed with coral reefs and its small cays are an important nesting area for several species of sea turtles. Because it is located far from inhabited parts of the Bahamas, and subject to foreign fishing pressure, it may be difficult to enforce a reserve in this area at the present.

34: Cat Island - East

This site was observed by the panel while conducting aerial surveys around Cat Island, and newly identified as an important site for a marine reserve. Coral formations along the entire east coast of the island are among the very best and most extensive in the Bahamas, with large expanses of Acropora spp. close to shore. These species are currently under consideration for endangered status. The panel recommends that a minimum of 20 miles of the shelf be set aside as a marine reserve to protect this particularly pristine reef habitat.

35: Andros - South

This site includes a large triangular section of island shelf with coral reefs on the eastern boundary, seagrasses on the shallow shelf and abundant mangroves on the shoreline. This site was added by the panel because it contains abundant habitat for juvenile and adult stages of conch, lobster and reef fishes, and adds to the geographic context of the reserve network. There is also an unconfirmed Nassau grouper spawning aggregation in the proposed reserve area.

36: Ragged Island Chain - Central

The Ragged Island chain was recommended for inclusion in the marine reserve network by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. The location of the reserve was suggested by the Department of Fisheries to minimize loss of traditional fishing grounds to the people of Ragged Island. The proposed area includes extensive bank areas out to the shelf edge, and its position should allow for larval export to other locations.

37: Little Inagua

This is the largest totally uninhabited islands in the greater Caribbean region, and the land area is being protected by the Bahamas National Trust. The marine habitats gain some degree of protection because of the remote location and lack of anchorage. Small coral reef areas occur at the eastern end of the island, and at the southwest corner. The panel was not able to visit this remote site.

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APPENDIX F: CONSERVATION PLANNER JOB DESCRIPTION

The Nature Conservancy

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: CONSERVATION PLANNER

JOB FAMILY: Science

JOB NUMBER: 850003

SALARY GRADE: 5

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

Location: Nassau, Bahamas

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

 Bachelor’s degree in science-related field and 2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Experience utilizing GIS software and data to create maps.  Experience conducting surveys, recording data, and writing project reports  Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software.  Experience managing databases and producing reports.  Experience coordinating multiple projects and managing timeframes.  Logistical experience planning and organizing meetings, conferences, and workshops

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 Performs conservation and science project work, including the development of Management Plans and Ecoregional plans or site based work organized around critical threats and ecological management strategies for the Bahamas Archipelago.  Provides technical support and quality information to Ecoregional planning teams to best facilitate the design of Ecoregional portfolios of sites. Technical support includes compiling, analyzing, and managing a variety of biotic and abiotic data sets including bi-national information on the status and distribution of ecological communities and imperiled plant and animal species.  Responsible for coordinating budgets, expense tracking, organizing and facilitating participatory workshops with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Responsible

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for developing and updating content for conservation planning Websites, contributing materials to program reports, assisting with conservation modules on new employee and existing staff training. Provides overall administrative and travel support to the director and staff.

The Conservation Planner reports to the Director of the Program and works closely with conservation and science staff to research and gather data relating to the creation of conservation planning in order to identify priorities and direct the implementation of conservation actions. This may include some or all of the following:

 Gathers and synthesizes data relating to conservation implementation and/or activities.  Creates conservation plans to identify priorities and direct the implementation of conservation actions  Conducts surveys, records data, and writes project reports  Performs fieldwork, including ecosystem assessment and field monitoring

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

 Bachelor’s degree in science-related field and 2-3 years related experience, graduate degree and 0-1 year of experience, or equivalent combination. Prior field experience preferred.  Knowledge of natural systems and natural systems management techniques  Analyzing, manipulating, and interpreting data, including statistics  GIS experience, including ability to utilize data to create appropriate maps  Database management skills including report production  Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s)  Managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources  Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).  Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:

 Coordinates multiple projects with several variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing timeframes  Interprets guidelines, evaluates information, and modifies processes to adapt to changing circumstances  Compiles data, resolves disparities, and modifies processes to generate plans  Resolves routine issues independently, consulting with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of complex and unusual problems

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DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:

 Work affords significant opportunity to act independently on assigned tasks with ability to exercise independent judgment  Continuing developmental level, performs standard work requiring application of standard techniques and procedures  Addresses issues with supervisor that affect others’ work or the overall program

RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL AND SUPERVISORY:

 May supervise/lead a small staff of Science Technicians I, interns, and/or volunteers on a project basis and be assisted by lower-level scientists.  Purchase equipment and supplies, in consultation with supervisor as provided for in budget  May assist with program budget development and monitoring  Works under minimal supervision

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:

 Ability to work cooperatively with a number of staff and external parties, sometimes under pressure, in order to complete project work and goals in a timely manner  Formulate ideas and communicate clearly with others, both orally and in written form  Provide a variety of information to staff and others, contributing to conservation projects and assisting workflow throughout the organization.  Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a work team.  Communicates technical material to non-scientific audiences.  Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, partners, and others, providing and obtaining needed information.  Demonstrated ability to write technical reports

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

 Capacity to handle complex tasks under pressure and under stringent time constraints.  Ability to work in variable weather conditions, remote locations and often in physically demanding circumstances. Valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.  Work requires occasional physical exertion and/or muscular strain. Work involves several disagreeable elements and/or exposure to job hazard’s where there is some possibility of injury.  Ability to travel approximately 25% of the time

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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APPENDIX G: DRAFT MELALEUCA CONTROL PLAN FOR THE BAHAMAS

Scientific name: Melaleuca quinquenervia Common name: melaleuca, cajeput, paperbark tree

Updated 11/30/2009 by Chris Bergh, The Nature Conservancy, Florida Chapter

A. PRIORITY LEVEL: Very high

B. DESCRIPTION

The following information is from the website of T.A.M.E. Melaleuca! The Areawide Management and Evaluation of Melaleuca - http://tame.ifas.ufl.edu/tame_project/index.shtml. A great deal more information on melaleuca may be found on this website.

Melaleuca is an invasive, exotic nuisance plant in the Bahamas and South Florida. Originally from Australia, it was introduced into Florida about 100 years ago and now infests approximately 500,000 acres in the greater Everglades region of the state. It is such a pest that the United States government and the State of Florida list it as a noxious weed and prohibit the sale, possession, or transportation of the plant.

Melaleuca is an evergreen tree that reaches heights of up to 100 feet. It is easily identified by its layered and peeling, whitish-brown bark, creamy white "bottle brush" flowers, woody seed capsules containing up to 300 tiny brown seeds, and lance-shaped grayish-green leaves that smell of camphor when crushed.

Melaleuca is well adapted to fire. Its paper bark burns easily but also protects the tree and helps it survive. The bark carries flames up to the canopy where the leaves are. Melaleuca leaves have a high volatile oil content and fuel very hot fires. Fire triggers seed release. Melaleuca seeds germinate easily in the newly burned ground, and soon there is even more melaleuca than there was before the fire! Read more about melaleuca and fire.

Melaleuca tends to grow quickly and close together, forming dense stands. These infestations can displace native vegetation, degrade wildlife habitat, alter fire regimes, and elevate soil levels, which affects water flow.

C. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION IN THE BAHAMAS

Melaleuca infestations have been located on New Providence, Central and North Andros, Grand Bahama and Abaco. See Appendix 1: Bahamas Melaleuca Maps.

D. DAMAGE & THREATS

Melaleuca converts herb/graminoid dominated freshwater wetlands to tree dominated wetlands. These changes in vegetation community structure alter the habitat and negatively affect native plants and wildlife.

Melaleuca dries up freshwater wetlands through transpiration and leaf litter accumulation. Fresh water is a precious commodity in the Bahamas. Loss of fresh surface water is a blow to native wildlife.

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Melaleuca alters the normal fire regime (i.e. frequent, low intensity surface fire) to a more intense and severe fire regime (i.e. dangerous and difficult to control fires with negative impacts on plants, animals, organic soils and potentially people). The altered fire regime shifts vegetation community structure which has cascading negative consequences on native plants and animals.

E. GOALS

1. Update and maintain maps of melaleuca infestation and treatment efforts in the Bahamas 2. Eradicate known stands of melaleuca from natural areas in the Bahamas 3. Reduce numbers of known melaleuca on urban and agricultural lands in the Bahamas by

F. OBJECTIVES

1. Develop and implement training encompassing melaleuca identification, survey methods, control measures, monitoring (i.e. numerical data, permanent photo plots and GPS/GIS), reporting procedures and cost accounting by the middle of 2010. This should include a “training of trainers” approach to increase Bahamian leadership of the effort and overall sustainability. 2. Ground-truth current infestation data, survey invasion prone areas in the vicinity of existing hotspots and verify land ownership/tenure/oversight in order to gain permission for treatments by the end of 2010. Provide resulting data and maps to Department of the Environment, U.S. Department of Agriculture and other interested parties. 3. Control all outlier infestations in natural areas by the end of 2010. 4. Develop detailed control strategies, including improved cost estimates, for all sparse and dense infestations in natural areas by the end of 2010. 5. Treat all sparse infestations in natural areas by the end of 2011 6. Treat all dense infestations in natural areas and outlier infestations in urban/agricultural areas by the end of 2012. 7. Treat all sparse infestations in urban/agricultural areas by the end of 2013. 8. Treat all dense infestations in urban/agricultural areas by the end of 2014. 9. Conduct follow-up control treatments on all treated areas at least every year following treatment, or as often as necessary, to ensure long term control. 10. Use existing melaleuca education and outreach materials, modified for the Bahamas as necessary, to inform the public at large and policy makers about the melaleuca threat and control options beginning in 2010. 11. By 2010, adopt and/or develop equipment and personnel decontamination protocols to inhibit the spread of melaleuca via control activities and other activities (e.g. construction, firefighting, etc.). 12. By 2013, facilitate the passage of a law making it illegal to propagate, sell, transport or otherwise promote melaleuca population expansion. This effort may encompass other priority invasive species.

Control options are: (1) No treatment; (2) Mechanically or manually remove plants of all sizes; (3) Treat plants of all sizes with herbicide or; (4) Manually remove seedlings and treat all larger plants with herbicide.

No treatment would result in continued spread of the species and negative consequences on natural areas, native species, public water supply and fire safety.

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Mechanical/manual removal is extremely costly and disturbs the site making it prone to reinvasion by melaleuca and/or other invasive species.

Treating all plants with herbicide is cost effective but results in greater than necessary potential for chemical spills and non-target herbicide damage on native or other desirable species.

Manually removing seedlings and treating all larger plants with herbicide is the most cost effective and environmentally friendly control option with the greatest chance of long-term success.

Careful consideration should be given to integrated pest management principles involving the methods described above and incorporating fire management, hydrologic management and any other relevant natural area management strategies.

H. ACTIONS PLANNED (Treatments and monitoring)

Combined manual and herbicide treatments started on and around Bahamas National Trust’s Lucayan National Park and Andros Blue Holes National Park during 2008 and should proceed, as outlined in the objectives. Hand-pull all seedlings and apply appropriate herbicide per label instructions to all stems in the park and in the surrounding area if permission from other landowners can be obtained. Do not remove biomass from the site of the current infestation. Instead pile biomass on-site to minimize seed dispersal. Allow biomass to decompose or burn it during a future prescribed fire operation. Treat any missed stems and retreat any resprouting stumps during follow-up visits every 6 months to one year post-treatment until infestation is eradicated from the site.

A standardized monitoring form will be completed during any site visit to a melaleuca infestation for survey, initial treatment or follow-up treatment. See Appendix 2: Bahamas Melaleuca Monitoring Form.

A visual estimate of the number of melaleuca stems in three size classes (seedlings <0.5m, saplings 0.6-2m and trees >2.1m) will be recorded for each stand or point location. Each size class will be assigned either; 1, 2-10, 11-20, 21-50, 51-100, 101-200, 201-500, 501-1000, 1001-5000 and >5001 for each stand or point location.

Prior to beginning initial treatment the perimeter of the stand (or point location of an outlier tree) will be mapped using GPS and this data will be downloaded into a centralized Bahamas Melaleuca Database managed by ______and deposited with Bahamas Ministry of the Environment, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and any other interested parties.

The GPS mapping and visual estimate of population size by size class will be repeated during each subsequent visit for retreatment.

I. HOW ACTIONS WILL BE EVALUATED (Criteria for success)

Success will be measured by;

Reduction in mapped outlier point locations with living melaleuca Reduction in total stems of sapling and tree size within 1 year post initial treatment

Reduction in total stems of all sizes within 2 years post initial treatment Reduction in total area infested on a site-by-site and island-by-island basis with differentiation between natural areas and urban/agricultural areas

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Appendix 1: Bahamas Melaleuca Maps

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APPENDIX H: MELALEUCA CONTROL PLAN STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP

Meeting Notes

September 23, 2009 The Retreat, Bahamas National Trust Headquarters

PARTICIPANTS LIST Wednesday, September 23, 2009 PHONE NAME ORGANIZATION POSITION PHONE 2 FAX EMAIL

Samantha BEST Environmental 356 -3067 326 - bestnbs@hotm

1 Miller Commission Officer ext. 5513 3509 ail.com Janeen 393-

2 Bullard BNT Parks Planner 393-1317 4978 [email protected] Randolph 393- [email protected]

3 Burrows BNT Park Warden 393-1317 4978 s Apollo Deputy Park 393-

4 Butler BNT Warden 393-1317 4978 [email protected] Prescott Deputy Park 393- 5 Gay BNT Warden 393-1317 4978 David Senior Park 367- dknowles@bnt.

6 Knowles BNT, Abaco Warden 367-6310 6309 bs Alexander alexhenderson5

7 Henderson BNT BESS Intern 327-1236 @gmail.com Lindy Assistant [email protected]

8 Knowles BNT Parks Planner 393-1317 s ethaf@hotmail.

9 Ethan Freid BNT Botanist 393-1317 com Desmond Retreat # Kelly BNT Gardener 393-1317 Steven A. Retreat # Wright BNT Gardener 393-1317 Charlene 327- charlene@breef

# Carey BREEF 327-9000 9002 .org Tevin 327- [email protected]

# Williams BREEF 327-9000 9002 m Dept.of Christine Environmental Senior Health 322- cgmcgreene@g

# Greene Health (DEHS) Inspector 322-8037 8073 mail.com Rapeth Work 322- # Rigby DEHS Supervisor 322-8037 8073 Min. of Public Dep. Bruce Works & Permanent 326- bwalker529@h

# Walker Transport Sec. 302-9518 7344 otmail.com Dep. Chris Min. of The Permanent 328- christop100@h

# Russell Environment Sec. 397-5502 328-2701 1324 otmail.com TNC, Northern Stacey Caribbean Senior Policy # Moultrie Program Advisor 327-2414 327-2417

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Sharrah Conservation

# Moss TNC, NCP Planner 327-2414 327-2417 [email protected] Chris TNC, Florida (305)745 745-

# Bergh Keys Program Director -8402 8399 [email protected] Ancilleno Conservation 327- leno_davis@tnc

# Davis TNC, NCP Coordinator 327-2414 2417 .org Eleanor 327- [email protected]

# Phillips TNC, NCP Director 327-2414 2417 g

Agenda:

9:00 Welcome and introductions – Sharrah Moss-Hackett, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) 9:10 Background on Fire and Invasives Learning Network – Chris Bergh, TNC Florida 9:30 National Invasive Species Strategy (NISS) – Stacey Moultrie, TNC 9:50 Melaleuca invasion and control in Florida and The Area-wide Management and Evaluation of Melaleuca quinquenervia (TAME Melaleuca) - Paul Pratt, US Dept. of Agriculture 10:40 Break (20 minutes) 11:00 Bahamas existing infestations and the potential for spread – Chris Bergh, TNC 11:10 National Migratory Bird Conservation Act Grant Program activities and other control efforts to date: Grand Bahama and Andros (BNT) 11:30 Review and discuss draft Melaleuca Control Plan for the Bahamas 12:30 Lunch delivered - continue discussion 1:00 Cost estimates and funding strategies for implementation of the Melaleuca Control Plan 2:00 Prospects of integrating fire management into melaleuca control regimes 2:10 Other species specific issues: Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) prevention strategy 2:30 Break for field trip to Coral Harbor melaleuca infestation and herbicide application demo

Notes:

These notes and the revised draft “Melaleuca Control Plan for the Bahamas” will be distributed by Sharrah Moss to meeting participants who may suggest revision or additions to either document.

PowerPoint presentations from the workshop, the revised draft “Melaleuca Control Plan for the Bahamas” will be posted on the Florida and Caribbean Fire and Invasives Learning Network online workspace hosted by WiserEarth. To access these and other materials go to http://www.wiserearth.org/group/FLCRFILN. If you are not already a “member” of WiserEarth, sign up as a new member by following online instructions. Then you can go to the Florida and Caribbean Fire and Invasives Learning Network online workspace where you will find materials and the draft plan in the “Country/Region Info” section in a folder entitled “Bahamas Melaleuca Meeting 2009.” In order to see all the files in that folder you will need to click on the button that says “Our Files 5/11”; otherwise you will only be able to see five files.

The GreenSweep basic training manual for invasive plant control will be posted on Wiserearth as well.

Stakeholders in all sectors should be reminded of Bahamas National Invasive Species Strategy prevention recommendations.

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Sharing Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) outreach materials developed in Florida would be a cost effective way to increase awareness of this problem plant in the Bahamas. It has not been spotted in the Bahamas yet, but the potential for invasion is high. Prevention, early detection and rapid response are the keys to preventing this plant from becoming a serious invader in the Bahamas.

Suggestions from participants included;

1. An entity(s) must be prepared for housing melaleuca data, maps and the like. Ministry of the Environment and US Dept. of Agriculture were prominent suggestions but others included Bahamas National GIS Center, Bahamas Department of Agriculture, Bahamas National Trust and The Nature Conservancy. 2. Land ownership/tenure/regulatory oversight of melaleuca infested property is an important information gap that will need to be filled in order to secure permission to treat some invaded areas. 3. Bahamians need and want hands-on training in eradication methods. A train-the- trainers approach led by TNC and/or others may be the best way to build lasting skills in the Bahamas. 4. College of the Bahamas should be included in future activities. 5. Public education and awareness activities should accompany control activities.

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APPENDIX I: PROPOSED FORESTRY RESERVES (2009)

PROPOSED (BY ISLAND)

COUNT BY ISLAND SCHEDULE NAMES ACRES ANDROS: MAP 1 1 1 RED BAYS 18,675.30 2 1 SAN ANDROS 59,864.59 3 2 STAFFORD CREEK 78,597.85 4 3 TWIN LAKES 150,610.33 5 3 CENTRAL ANDROS 393,551.73 6 1 MANGROVE CAY 51,628.04 7 1 SOUTH BIGHT 27,778.16 8 3 ROKER CAY 167.854743 9 1 KEMPS BAY 98,845.51 10 3 MARS BAY 203,182.85

GRAND BAHAMA: MAP 2 1 3 BIG HARBOUR CAY 1,763.91 2 3 LITTLE HARBOUR CAY 530.371339 3 1 GRAND BAHAMA 106,427.17 4 3 SWEETINGS CAY 2,180.56 5 3 LIGHTBOURNE CAY 5,570.36

ABACO: MAP 3 1 3 SANDY POINT 44,549.16 2 1 EIGHT MILE BAY 27,888.28 3 1 DEALS CREEK 3,706.87 4 2 SWEETBREAD 8,099.48 5 2 THURSTON BAY 402.359089 6 1 NORMAN CASTLE 15,073.15 7 3 LITTLE ABACO 5,865.55 8 2 LONG POINT 1,390.09 9 2 CENTRAL ABACO 10,484.55 10 1 MARSH HARBOUR 8,075.21 11 2 LITTLE HARBOUR 13,268.90 12 3 THE MARLS 150,881.71

NEW PROVIDENCE: MAP 4 1 3 CARMICHAEL 3,090.39 2 1 CORAL HARBOUR (WEST) 1,952.42

ELEUTHERA: MAP 5 1 1 THE BOGUE 5,938.25

CAT ISLAND: MAP 6 1 1 DEANWOOD 1,419.43 66

ACKILNS/CROOKED : MAP 8 1 3 COVERY BIGHT 20,232.39 2 1 RESERVE BAY 18,943.87 3 1 BINNACLE HILL 12,653.81 4 3 PLANA CAYS 3,394.46 5 3 SEMANA CAY 8,784.82 6 1 MAJOR'S FOREST RESERVE 13,520.11 7 3 TURTLE SOUND 13,462.64

INAGUA: MAP 9 1 3 GREAT INAGUA 120,682.24

TOTAL (ACRES) 1,713,134.70

TOTAL (HECTARES) 685,253.88

PROPOSED (BY SCHEDULE)

FOREST RESERVES COUNT SCHEDULE NAMES ACRES 1 1 RED BAYS 18,675.30 2 1 SAN ANDROS 59,864.59 3 1 MANGROVE CAY 51,628.04 4 1 SOUTH BIGHT 27,778.16 5 1 KEMPS BAY 98,845.51 6 1 EIGHT MILE BAY 27,888.28 7 1 DEALS CREEK 3,706.87 8 1 NORMAN CASTLE 15,073.15 9 1 MARSH HARBOUR 8,075.21 10 1 GRAND BAHAMA 106,427.17 11 1 THE BOGUE 5,938.25 12 1 RESERVE BAY 18,943.87 13 1 BINNACLE HILL 12,653.81 14 1 MAJOR'S FOREST RESERVE 13,520.11 15 1 DEANWOOD 1,419.43 16 1 CORAL HARBOUR (WEST) 1,952.42 16 TOTAL (ACRES) 472,390.16 16 TOTAL (HECTARES) 188,956.10 PROTECTED FORESTS COUNT SCHEDULE NAMES ACRES 17 2 STAFFORD CREEK 78,597.85 18 2 SWEETBREAD 8,099.48 67

19 2 THURSTON BAY 402.359089 20 2 LONG POINT 1,390.09 21 2 CENTRAL ABACO 10,484.55 22 2 LITTLE HARBOUR 13,268.90 6 TOTAL (ACRES) 112,243.24 6 TOTAL (HECTARES) 44,897.30 CONSERVATION FORESTS COUNT SCHEDULE NAMES ACRES 23 3 TWIN LAKES 150,610.33 24 3 CENTRAL ANDROS 393,551.73 25 3 ROKER CAY 167.854743 26 3 MARS BAY 203,182.85 27 3 SANDY POINT 44,549.16 28 3 LITTLE ABACO 5,865.55 29 3 THE MARLS 150,881.71 30 3 BIG HARBOUR CAY 1,763.91 31 3 LITTLE HARBOUR CAY 530.371339 32 3 SWEETINGS CAY 2,180.56 33 3 LIGHTBOURNE CAY 5,570.36 34 3 GREAT INAGUA 120,682.24 35 3 COVERY BIGHT 20,232.39 36 3 PLANA CAYS 3,394.46 37 3 SEMANA CAY 8,784.82 38 3 TURTLE SOUND 13,462.64 39 3 CARMICHAEL 3,090.39 17 TOTAL (ACRES) 1,128,501.30 17 TOTAL (HECTARES) 451,400.52

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APPENDIX J: DRAFT FORESTRY RESERVATION MAPS

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APPENDIX K: TNC DATA SHARING AGREEMENT

Reciprocal Geographical Information System (GIS) Data Disclaimer Acknowledgment and Release:

Acceptance of Stipulations Concerning Preliminary Mapping and Database Products from The Nature Conservancy and from [FULL NAME OF THE PARTY]

This Reciprocal GIS Data Disclaimer Acknowledgement and Release (Release) is dated [DATE], and is between The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and [FULL NAME OF THE PARTY] (XXXX) (jointly, the Parties, or individually “Party”). Any data or information received by one Party from the other Party or downloaded from the other Party’s site, including Geographic Information System Data (collectively “GIS Data”), is regarded as planning and resource level information, having been generated specifically for use within the other Party’s particular program (specifically, in the case of TNC: its Mesoamerica & Caribbean Region and in the case of XXXX: its.[Name of Program]).

Each Party hereby acknowledges that the GIS Data of the other Party is subject to constant change and that its accuracy, including but not limited to, its accuracy as to labeling, dimensions, boundaries, placement or location of any map features therein, cannot be guaranteed. All GIS Data is provided as is, with potential faults, errors and without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Additionally, neither Party warrants that the information contained in its GIS Data will meet the other Party’s requirements or that the operation of the GIS Data will be uninterrupted or error free, or that data defects will be corrected. The entire risk as to the quality, performance and usefulness of the GIS Data rests with the other Party.

The Parties, in using this GIS Data, hereby release each other, their agents, consultants, contractors or employees from any and all claims, actions, or causes of action for damages including, but not limited to, any costs of recovering, reprogramming or reproducing any programs or data stored in or used with the GIS Data, damage to property, damages for personal injury or for any lost profits, lost savings, or other special, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of or inability to use the GIS Data, even if such parties have been advised of the possibility of such damage. The Parties agree to indemnify and hold each other, their agents, consultants, contractors and employees from any and all liability claims or damages to any person or property arising from or connected with the use of the GIS Data.

Data Restrictions

Use of the GIS Data is limited to academic or scientific purposes and may not be used for profitable purposes or by a for-profit corporation. Each Party hereby commits to acknowledge the other Party as the data source and compiler when GIS Data received from the other Party (through formal delivery or from a website) is used in the preparation of reports, papers, publications, maps and any other products. Any use, display or incorporation of GIS Data shall include the date on which such information was provided.

To ensure that appropriate documentation and data limitations are provided, downloaded data should not be redistributed to third-party users or uploaded to a central server unless written permission is granted by the TNC’s Mesoamerica & Caribbean GIS data manager (John Knowles: [email protected]) and Northern Country Program Director (Eleanor Phillips: [email protected]) or by XXXX’s [Name and Contact Information] as applicable.

When such GIS Data is used the following disclaimer and waiver of liability shall be included and displayed prominently so as to alert any person viewing or utilizing this information:

NOTICE: It is understood that, while The Nature Conservancy and XXXX, their data partners have no indication or reason to believe that there are inaccuracies or defects in information incorporated in the

77 base map, The Nature Conservancy and XXXX and their data partners make NO REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE, NOR ARE ANY SUCH WARRANTIES TO BE IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION OR DATA, FURNISHED HEREIN.

Acceptance: [FULL NAME OF THE PARTY] THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

By: By: Print Name Print Name

Authorized Representative Authorized Representative

Signature Signature

Title: Title:

Date: Date: Attorney approval:

Date:

By:

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THE NATURE CONSERVANCY GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS DATA USER INFORMATION FORM MESOAMERICA & CARIBBEAN REGION

The Nature Conservancy is compiling information about the users of our digital data so we can better serve you in the future. Please complete the user information form below and return it to John Knowles (Mesoamerica & Caribbean GIS Data Manager) Email: [email protected] Fax: (506) 220-2551

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Country : ______

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Telephone: ______

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Please enter the primary business activity of your organization:

Please provide a brief explanation of what your reasons for using the data:

Please provide a description of the data you are using:

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Please provide a description of the data you are sharing with The Conservancy:

Comments or suggestions for our data:

I would like to be notified of future data availability or changes

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