[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f you have ever been boating in Abaco, chances are you have snorkeled Mermaid Reef. Mermaid Reef is a community reef that is used regularly by visitors and locals alike. During the summer months Mermaid Reef receives hundreds of visitors each week. Because fishing is not permitted on the reef there is an abundance of sea life in a relatively small area and the fish practically greet you when you jump overboard.
Mermaid Reef is also an integral part of Friends of the Environment’s (FRIENDS) education program, particularly during summer camp. As most of the summer programs are habitat based, campers spend the morning learning about a specific habitat and then spend the afternoon exploring that eco system first hand. During every visit to Mermaid Reef there are children that cannot swim, therefore they have never seen below the surface of the sea with a mask on their face. Mermaid Reef is so often the first insight these children have as to how profoundly beautiful the waters of The Bahamas are. They gain a sense of national pride that was not there before and we, the staff and volunteers at FRIENDS, have the privilege of watching this experience. During junior camp this year, out of the 16 children in attendance, 10 did not know how to swim, however all 16 saw the reef that day. Abaco is fortunate to have such an accessible and bountiful reef so close to shore.
Thanks to the support of the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club and LBT Marine, Mermaid Reef now has a permanent sign that explains the expected code of conduct for all of its visitors. Despite the amount of pressure that the reef receives, it remains healthy and that is because of the respect and appreciation from those who visit it. We hope that this sign will further encourage users to help maintain one of Abaco’s most popular destinations.