The dive industry is a multi-million dollar business and relies heavily on selling one of the Bahamas biggest assets, the ocean. For one Grand Bahamian business—UNEXSO—efforts to preserve the aquatic environment and the staff whose livelihoods depend on the sustainability of the ocean, has been an ongoing commitment for over 20 years—one it has internally financed with an average spend of $8,000 to $12,000 annually to keep moorings up to date.
Since September 2011, UNEXSO’s dive team has re-moored 24 of the 25 active dive sites on Freeport’s south side. Mooring systems consist of spliced polypropylene and/or dacron line attached to an inflatable mooring ball, which is subsequently secured to a mooring anchor eye on the sea floor or wreck site. Using mooring systems eliminates the use of anchors by local dive operators, visiting live-aboard dive boats, Grand Bahama residents, and visitors. This practice protects Grand Bahamas’ delicate underwater terrain for current and future generations.
This year mooring rehabilitative efforts are being partially funded by a grant from PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) Project AWARE. Project AWARE is a non-profit, worldwide organization dedicated to “Conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action.” The foundation was established in 1995 in response to growing concerns by some scuba divers about potential harm inflicted on coral reefs by recreational and commercial water activities.
All dive operators and boaters in Grand Bahama use the mooring systems free of charge. Resident and visiting boaters are encouraged to be aware of the moorings, to use them correctly, and to leave them in place for others to enjoy.
Niall Christoffersen, UNEXSO Dive Manager, asks that anyone finding a damaged mooring to record the coordinates and contact the UNEXSO dive center at (242) 373-1244. Additionally, Christoffersen requests any mooring parts found be returned to UNEXSO (all mooring balls are marked), so that they can be quickly re-deployed.
UNEXSO’s dive team and staff remained committed to providing a sustainable underwater environment and with everyone’s continued efforts and action, the mooring systems will benefit all on Grand Bahama.
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