Mermaid Reef: A community treasure

FRIENDS has been taking students to Mermaid Reef regularly since 2006 when the education program started. PHOTO CREDIT: FRIENDS of the Environment.
FRIENDS has been taking students to Mermaid Reef regularly since 2006 when the education program started. PHOTO CREDIT: FRIENDS of the Environment.

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]ermaid Reef is a small patch reef located off Pelican Shores in Marsh Harbour, Abaco. The reef is barely 100 feet long, and yet if you have visited Abaco, there’s a good chance that you have been to Mermaid Reef. Years ago, community leaders recognized the value of Mermaid Reef for public enjoyment and the reef eventually came under community stewardship.

Patch reefs are small isolated reefs that are often made up of large colonies of brain coral and star coral. Patch reefs may be inhabited by a variety of fish species, and invertebrates like spiny lobster, shrimp, and Christmas tree worms. Patch reefs are typically found near seagrass beds and the ecosystems rely on each other. Species like grunts spend their days on reefs, but head to seagrass beds at night to feed. These connections reinforce the need to protect all marine ecosystems.

Friends of the Environment (FRIENDS) and The Bahamas National Trust have worked to help maintain moorings and signage at the reef with community support. By using moorings, the seagrass beds and reef are saved from unnecessary anchor damage and visitors can easily tie up to have a snorkel. FRIENDS also installed artificial reefs (“Reef Balls”) at Mermaid Reef to help expand the reef, provide homes for fish and other animals, and add more interest for visitors. FRIENDS has been taking students to Mermaid Reef regularly since 2006 when the education program started. It is an easy access reef, and because it is a patch reef it is shallower and more sheltered than Abaco’s larger reefs; the perfect spot for beginners! Mermaid Reef continues to be an amazing outdoor classroom; hundreds of Bahamian students have had their first snorkeling adventure there!

When you find yourself in Abaco next, take some time and pick up a mooring at Mermaid Reef. The yellowtail snappers will come out to greet you!

When visiting Mermaid Reef, please remember:

  • Use a mooring, not an anchor
  • No fishing, whether by hook and line, rod and reel, or spear
  • Do not step on or touch the corals
  • Have fun

Friends of the Environment is a non-profit environmental organizations devoted to preserving Abaco’s fragile environment and working towards a more sustainable future. For more information, visit www.friendsoftheenvironment.org, call (242) 367-2721 or email info@friendsoftheenvironment.org.