Reef Relief Founders Web Site
If the biota, in the course of aeons, has built something we like but do not understand, then who but a fool would discard seemingly useless parts? To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering. Aldo Leopold, Round River, 1993.
Reef Relief Founders.com
Reef Relief Bahamas Programs Achieve Local Management
Reef Relief is pleased to announce that its Bahamas Programs have achieved sustainability and are now locally managed by residents of Abaco, Bahamas.
In January, 2009, operation of the Captain Roland Roberts House Environmental Center in New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay, together with its programs and exhibits, were transferred to the local Architectural Preservation Foundation, which owns the house. The foundation intends to keep the center open utilizing some of Reef Relief's great volunteers, but mostly with local volunteers, led by Sally Anstey.
Sally has been the de facto on-site manager for many years and her leadership is a tribute to the strong local support that makes this possible. David Bethel and Susan Roberts, and other members of the foundation board, exhibited strong and consistent support for Reef Relief programs throughout the past ten years and are to be congratulated for taking this final step to true stewardship of Green Turtle Cay's coral reefs. Abaco Yacht Services donated free boat storage for the Reef Relief workboat. Many local businesses and residents supported coral reef protection programs such as the aluminum recycling program and the green bag project. Amy Roberts Elementary School was a great partner on school programs for local students. Volunteers have helped splice mooring buoys and deploy them. All of these programs were made possible through the generous financial support of many visitors, residents, foundations, and Reef Relief members.
"We are grateful for the community support that has enabled Reef Relief to protect the Abaco barrier coral reef over the past ten years," noted Executive Director DeeVon Quirolo. "The reef mooring buoy program, officially owned by the Town Council, has prevented untold damage to the beautiful coral reefs near Green Turtle Cay. The operation of the Capt. Roberts House Environmental Center is a lasting tribute to the value and importance of environmental education for visitors and residents of the area. The Coral Survey images of the area's coral reefs will be a permanent part of Reef Relief's Online Archive. It all started with installing reef mooring buoys that still do their part to prevent anchor damage to the reef. Thank you all for your role in this wonderful project."