The Bahamas Government plans to create two new National Parks in the eastern part of Grand Bahama in the near future. In an article by the Caribbean Journal, the two parks would include the North Shore GAP Marine Protection Area and the East End Marine Protection Area. According to the article, “The North Shore, known locally as “The Gap,” is approximately 280,000 acres, while the East Grand Bahama National Park, located south of Sweetings’ Cay, spans more than 12,500 acres.”
This sustainable initiative for Grand Bahama is designed to address the security concerns of local fisherman. Locals are extremely concerned with the islands marine resources being protected and preserved. As a response from the government, each park will be designed to have designated areas for recreational and commercial fishing activities to take place as well as “no-take zones.” Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett also mentioned that there are expansion plans for the already existing parks: The Lucayan National Park and Peterson Cay National Park.
