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Bay Street Marina is undergoing a major expansion at its Nassau Bahamas location. The marina has already added 30 new slips for a total of 120. These new docks can accommodate vessels up to 22’ draft and 500’ in length. In addition, the following items have also been completed in and around Bay Street Marina - Fuel service now available at RUBIS fuel dock at Bay Street Marina Dock D. Each slip is equipped with fresh water and electrical service from 30 amp power up to direct 480v feeds with ultra-modern power system and RO water. Communication will be easy with high-powered wi-fi system as well as cctv and 24-hour security to ensure the safety of your vessel and property. Bay Street Marina has an on-site swimming pool, air-conditioned restrooms and showers, laundry room, crew lounge, fish cleaning station, BBQ grill station, and an on-site bar and restaurant, Green Parrot, for enjoyable dining experiences right on the docks and great location close to downtown and exceptional boat chandlers. What really sets Bay Street Marina apart is their customer service! The marina office is run almost like a concierge service, with no guest request going un-helped. For more information visit https://www.baystreetmarina.com.

Lots to get excited about in Bimini these days. The Bimini Big Game Club marina upgrades include two new T head pedestals, new ice machine, and improved Wi-Fi distribution. There is also a new saltwater pump at the fish cleaning table and more chaise lounges and umbrellas at the pool! Bimini has always been known for great local dishes and pub foods, but locals and guests have been craving something a little more varied and upscale but still casual. So, we are thrilled to introduce Bimini Seafood Company & Conch Bar – a new concept in island dining. Our new restaurant has all of what you loved about Bimini Big Game Bar & Grill, but with new delicious food and drink offerings in an expanded menu with a great variety of Bahamian and American dishes. Plus a four-page drink menu! See all the details new menus here. After a fun filled day on the water or enjoying an Alice Town walkabout, dinner at Big Game is where the action is with the addition of the new Special Dining Days. Tuesdays are for Tacos, of course Wednesday Beach BBQ with live music starting at 5 pm Friday Bimini Fish Fry Saturday Night Prime Rib Special Sunday Lobster Dinner Sharkies Bar & Grill is right on the waterfront and is now open daily from 11:30 am to 7 pm (with new expanded roof for more shade and cover). Sharkies features locally fresh conch, lobster, fish, chicken, pork & ribs, with all foods fire grilled to your liking. The bartenders will assist you to play your own music on the Bose sound system! AND…. the all new Hemingway’s Poolside Rum Club – Serving the islands largest selection of high-end rums from around the Caribbean. The new space offers a refreshing shady spot next to the pool with friendly table service and an all new Pizza Menu! Bimini Big Game is also the spot for all things SPORTS with 7 wide screen TVs (3 of which are Mega Screens) with all of the football and sport channels featured. Visit https://biggameclubbimini.com for all the details!

If you’ve ever worked on a charter that went to The Bahamas, you’ve either spent some time in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (ECLSP), or at least heard of it. But did you know the ECLSP is one of 32 national parks in The Bahamas national park system that is managed by The Bahamas National Trust? At The Bahamas National Trust (BNT), so much of what we do would not be possible without the aid and goodwill of donors, volunteers, and supporters. As a yachtie, you’re in a position that may allow you to support our work in a special way. The Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park - the very first land and sea park in the world - is one of the most popular destinations for boaters in Bahamian waters, so you’ll probably end up here more than once during your travels as a yachtie. If you’re interested in conservation, appreciate the beauty of our turquoise waters and unique marine ecosystems, or just happen to find yourself with some extra time when anchored or moored within the ECLSP and want to lend a hand to our passionate and dedicated BNTeam, read on to find out how you can do just that! 1. Learn about the BNT and the ECLSP The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is a nongovernmental, nonprofit, membership-based organization dedicated to protecting and conserving the “national jewels” of The Bahamas: its national park system. Founded by an Act of Parliament in 1959, we are committed to using science and education to advance conservation throughout The Bahamas. One of the best ways you can help us preserve The Bahamas and keep it pristine is by educating your guests and visitors who enter the parks so they’re aware of the importance of these areas as well as the work of the BNT. Also, by letting them know about the ways they can support it. This is why we ask that you learn all you can about our organization and our work so you are in a position to educate and inform your guests - not only to help conservation, but also to enhance the experiences of your guests with knowledge of what all these parks have to offer. You and your guests can use our website as a resource for information, to learn more about the BNT and the national parks of The Bahamas: https://bnt.bs. And you can check out our Quick Guide to the ECLSP for our all-inclusive guide to the Exumas and the ECLSP specifically. This guide provides information on a host of activities that boat staff and guests can enjoy during their stay in the park. From water activities like snorkeling, diving, and kayaking, to hiking and exploring. As a bonus, we can offer special experiences with our ECLSP Park Wardens on a case-by-case basis for visitors. 2. Learn the rules and regulations of the ECLSP Our national parks are sanctuaries for the invaluable and unique species and natural resources of The Bahamas. Many species depend on these areas in order to survive. The ECLSP is no exception. Within the park’s 174,194 acre boundary are some of the healthiest reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and other ecosystems you’ll see in The Bahamas. Your guests can enjoy up-close experiences with many beautiful and amazing species when they go diving or hiking in the park… but in order for guests to be able to do this, we must work together to ensure these species are protected! That’s why it’s important to make sure all guests are informed of the rules and regulations of the park. Among these, it is important to emphasize that the park is a complete no-take zone, meaning under no circumstances is any fishing, conching, shelling, or lobstering allowed. Nothing living or dead may be removed from the park. Let’s work together to preserve these special species and places for the enjoyment and benefit of everyone! 3. How to Volunteer in The Park At the ECLSP, we’re always in need of skilled volunteers. If you find yourself within the park with some extra time and a desire to lend a hand, there are a number of ways you can help. Ask about assisting with trail maintenance or overall upkeep of the park. If you have a specific skill, like engineering, you could assist with generator or engine maintenance. The island does not have any government-provided utilities, so all upkeep and maintenance is the responsibility of the BNT. Any assistance goes a long way and is deeply appreciated! If you’re not sure how your skills could be utilized, talk to a Park Warden to see how best you can help! 4. Let your peers know about our Annual Passes and Support Fleet Memberships We offer Annual Passes and Support Fleet Memberships specifically for our boating visitors. Many of these memberships cover all park fees, including: landing fees, beach setup fees, anchorage, and mooring fees. These memberships make it easy and convenient for boats that frequent the ECLSP to stay up to date with access to the park by covering all necessary fees upfront for a select period of time. This can be beneficial for your guests so they can be prepared ahead of time for any visits they make to the ECLSP! Full details about our Annual Pass and Fleet Membership offerings can be found in the ECLSP guidebook. 5. Encourage guests to support the park As a non-profit organization, we rely on donations and memberships to carry out our important work to protect the environment. Encouraging your guests (and everyone you know!) to give is one of the quintessential ways you can support what we do at the BNT! Something you may want to inform your guests of is our special “Friends of the Park” donor group. “Friends of the Park'' are supporters who donate $1,000 or more to the ECLSP and then get a plaque added to our wall of “Special Friends,” proudly displayed at our park headquarters. They can also sign up for BNT membership to receive exclusive benefits and show their long-term support. If any of your guests want to make a larger impact at the ECLSP, they can donate to the construction of the ECLSP STEM building for science-based conservation and education. 6. Let your guests know we are 501C3-registered The Bahamas National Trust Fund Inc. is a 501C3-registered charity in the USA. This means donations made to our organization are tax-deductible. This could be an incentive for some of your guests who may be interested in making a donation to the BNT. So make sure all of them are aware that we are 501C3-registered! The ECLSP is one of the most special places in the world. We need all the help we can get to protect it. If you have any questions about ways you can support the work of the BNT, visit our website or reach out to us at supporttheparks@bnt.bs Thanks for your interest in helping to preserve the national treasures of The Bahamas! By Leah Carr, Bahamas National Trust See photos here: https://bntbahamas.canto.com/s/MRMM3?viewIndex=0

Have you ever dreamed of being on a luxury yacht cruising about the islands and resting in the chaise lounge on the deck sipping champagne in the sun, and all on the privacy of your own private yacht? We thought so, and so did yacht owners and crew that offer that exclusive experience aboard a private yacht charter. Yacht vacationers choose charter yachts for several reasons from it making more sense financially over ownership to vacationers that choose that one of a time or occasionally taking this type of luxury vacation. Yacht chartering allows vacationers the opportunity to not only enjoy the islands in total luxury, it offers the opportunity to explore the hundreds of endless miles of Bahamas shorelines, hidden escapes and attractions that are not accessible by road. Natural beauty that can only be experience on and under water, such as the Exuma Sea Park is by far one of the most popular Bahamas yachting destinations as well as the entire Caribbean. Whether you desire to sail endlessly into the tropical beauty only The Bahamas has to offer or just want to escape for a day or two for some jet ski action and swimming pigs, you will find this all on a charter yacht. Conveniently located in Nassau where most vacationing charter guests begin their journey are two ABM Members to help you get to your dream vacation with ease. Island Yachts Co For Luxury Charters and Full Yacht Support Services Operating out of Bay Street Marina in Nassau, Island Yachts Co offers a fleet of charter yachts along with the invaluable expertise that cruising The Bahamas requires. A Bahamian-based charter company has many advantages, not least being the local knowledge that takes years to acquire. Island Yacht's fleet includes day and long term charters on luxury vessels from 42’ to 155’. The larger yachts come with all sorts of fun water toys such as SeaBobs, pull tubes, wake boards, jet skis, wake boards, skis, knee boards, and SeaDoos. Charter destinations include the Exumas, Eleuthera Islands and local excursions such as Rose Island plus sea plane tours More than a mere charter broker, Island Yachts offers all incoming yachts and captains strategic local partnerships with know-how and 24/7/365 shore support. Their services include: registration, inspections, paying charter fees, customs clearance, invoicing and consolidation, freight and provisioning, seaplane and air charters, and full personal concierge services. Contact Margo at: (242) 427-1285, bookings@islandyachtco.com or visit: https://www.islandyachts.co. Tailored Luxury With BluOcean Charters and Tours Also based in Nassau is BluOcean Charters, with its 51’ Sea Ray Sundancer that cruises around the central Bahamas. Boaters fly in to experience popular destinations such as Harbour Island, Spanish Wells and North Eleuthera, to travel down the Exuma Cays, or to hop across to The Berry Islands and Andros. If you're staying in Nassau, the Sundancer is available for day tours, or, if you want to live aboard, for longer trips. The yacht's luxurious amenities include air-conditioned master suite and second bedroom, full bathrooms with linen and towels, a spacious cabin with TV/DVD and stereo, and a full-service galley with stove and fridge plus washer and dryer. For water sports fun, it's equipped with paddle boards, body boards, wake boards, tubes and snorkeling gear. Besides fully stocking the provisions you'll need or serving complimentary snacks for day trips, BluOcean offers concierge services such as airport transfers. So, whether you want to visit the swimming pigs, feed the iguanas or pet the sharks and stingrays, BluOcean Charters is a luxurious, private way to experience the best of the Bahamas. Contact them at: 1-242-357-9731, booking@bluoceancharters.com or visit: http://bluoceancharters.com. The Association of Bahamas Marinas has more than 40 members, each helping the boating community and our marina industry. For more information, see: https://www.bahamasmarinas.com/allied-members.

A wise man once said: “Make it easy, and they’ll come.” Amidst a pandemic, that quote is truer than usual. In The Bahamas, recent regulations are getting lighter. For example, in the latest relaxations, two weeks after being fully-vaccinated visitors can travel without a PCR test or a rapid test every five days and can also enjoy indoor dining. All travelers should always check the latest COVID protocols and to see how very safe our islands are. Make sure to check the most up to date protocols before you travel on https://www.bahamasmarinas.com/procedures-and-protocols. While the mandate of the ABM is to be the Voice of Boating in The Bahamas, we recognize that many boaters also require convenient air lift to travel to and from their vessel in The Bahamas. The choice of aircraft traveling to The Bahamas is wide, ranging from floatplanes with idyllic sea landings near beaches, yachts and resorts, to fast luxury jets. By boat or air it’s easy to island-hop around our beautiful archipelago of 700 islands. Bookmark this page for all of your Bahamas transportation and charter requirements - https://www.bahamasmarinas.com/categories-member/transportation-charter-travel-companies. Silver Airways’ Sterling Reputation One of the largest ABM allied members is Silver Airways which has, for more than a decade, been America’s leading independent regional airline offering the most routes between Florida and The Bahamas. Silver has code-sharing agreements with United, JetBlue, American, Delta, Avianca and Copa Airlines for easy baggage transfers. Contact: U.S.: +1 801-401-9100 • Bahamas toll free: +1 844-674-5837 • www.silverairways.com. Schedules and Charters In Comfort and Style with Makers Air From another South Florida airport, the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Makers Air makes sure you're treated royally from hello to goodbye. They focus on the total vacation experience, flying more than 130 scheduled flights per week between Florida and nine Bahamian destinations with a fleet of spacious Cessna Grand Caravans. They also book private charters and even island day tours to many other island airstrips. Makers Air's first-class services include a complimentary car valet service that lets you avoid parking and traffic hassles, and long lines and crowds. Makers Air offers special resort packages to luxury resorts and ABM members including Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Cape Eleuthera Resort and Valentines Resort & Marina on Harbour Island, plus other destination. Contact: • (954) 771-0330 • info@makersair.com • https://makersair.com Air Flight Charters: Maximum Flexibility at Affordable Rates Operating to the Bahamas and Caribbean for over 30 years, Air Flight specializes in providing affordable private charter flights. Experienced pilots can be ready at a moment’s notice with flexibility to match choice of aircraft with your needs, ranging from twin-engined props to luxury private jets. Free shuttle service for connecting flights at Fort Lauderdale International. Soon offering Bahamas Customs Pre-clearance for direct flights to Bahamas Islands without customs office. Air Flight prides itself on excellent personal service and flexibility. Contact: (954) 359-0320 • charter@airflightcharters.com • https://airflightcharters.com Sea Plane Service is HOPPING! Tropic Ocean Airways: Luxurious Seaplanes & Pre-Clearance Freedom A favorite way to travel to The Bahamas is with the much-loved seaplane operator, Tropic Ocean Airways, with two bases at the Sheltair Terminal at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and the famous Miami Seaplane Base on MacArthur Causeway. Sheltair will soon offer Bahamas Customs pre-clearance, a unique service that will transform how guests travel to the Out Islands, especially if you're going by seaplane. With TOA, instead of having to clear customs at one of the dozens of Bahamian ports-of-entry, you'll be able to pre-clear and fly directly to your yacht, resort, private island, beach, or wherever. Tropic Ocean Airways has a fleet of Cessna float-planes that can land on hard runways or the sea. With a scheduled flight, it serves Bimini and you can take private charters practically anywhere. Contact: (800) 767-0897 or (954) 210-5569 • reservations@flytropic.com • https://flytropic.com Fly the Whale: Seaplanes with a Florida & Northeast US Network Dominating seaplane service in the northeast USA, Fly The Whale also serves the Bahamas during winter months—or anytime on request—with land- and sea-based charter flights throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean from its Miami Opa Locka Airport base. Flying out of the Miami seaplane base increases your enjoyable vacation time, and avoids crowded airports, waiting-in-line and other inconveniences. Its other NE bases are in East Haven, VT, and Farmingdale, NY, both from which it flies a diverse fleet of 13 aircraft including landplanes, seaplanes and cabin-class helicopters for unlimited destination possibilities. Contact: (212) 221-1203 • info@flythewhale.com • https://www.flythewhale.com Trans Island Airways: Island Hopping? Let The Locals Fly You Trans Island Airways is the leader in Bahamian aviation and, based at the full service FBO, Jet Nassau, its central Bahamas location gives customers the most affordable and cost effective rates from any location in the United States to the Bahamas. Trans Island Airways is the only Bahamian operator with two independent safety ratings from ARGUS and Wyvern. It is licensed both by the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority and by the FAA for domestic and international charters. TIA, as it is affectionately known to locals, is ideal for safe island hopping or for international flights. It operates an all-turbine fleet of Cessna Grand Caravan EXs and Bombardier Lear Jet 60s with a youthful average age of 2.3 years. Popular local destinations include Harbour Island, Hope Town, Staniel Cay, Tiamo in Andros, and Big Majors Spot to visit the famous original swimming pigs. For exploring the Bahamas, TIA's local knowledge of where to go and what to see is unequalled. Contact: (242) 362.4006 or US: (954) 727.5599 • info@tia.aero • http://www.transislandairways.com Seabird Air: Longest-Running Bahamian Seaplane Operator Another local favourite, Seabird Air, is the longest-running seaplane service in The Bahamas. It's often hired by luxury yachts for convenient crew transfers, freight and spare parts flown in directly to their transom or tender. Based in Nassau's airport, Seabird also offers land-based charters with its Piper Aztec twin-engine. Its most popular plane is the Cessna Caravan float plane, frequently seen landing near out island beaches, giving its guests the dreamy sea landing experience. Seabird arranges day trips and longer expeditions to just about any destination in The Bahamas and directly to fishing lodges, resorts, yachts or private islands on your own schedule. Seabird Air supports the local community with student grants and scholarships to the University of the Bahamas and through civic groups such as the Road Runners Track & Field Club • Contact: (242) 362-1224 • landscharters@gmail.com • https://seabirdair.com Support Bahamas Boating by Becoming a Voyager Before you come, for lots of discounts and special offers, make sure to join up as an ABM Voyager Member. Visit: https://www.bahamasmarinas.com/voyager-membership. The Bahamas yachting and boating sector is coming back strongly. Not only is it better in the Bahamas, it's also safe and easy to get here and fly around.

Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina at Paradise Landing Selects ABM Allied Member Bellingham Marine for Concrete Floating Dock System ABM Members Bellingham Marine and Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina at Paradise Landing are working together on what promises to be the most exclusive berth in The Bahamas. Just one of the many benefits of being an ABM marina member and / or an allied member is networking with top companies in our industry. Bellingham will supply and install the floating concrete dock system that features 6,100 feet of docks up to 420 feet, the marina will have a 240’ turning radius, 13.5’ depth and an extensive array of amenities and services for yacht owners, captains and crew. Bellingham’s Unifloat® Concrete Floating Dock System has proven ecological benefits, including a small carbon footprint from manufacturing, and water quality benefits through marine habitat creation. Manufactured in Jacksonville, Florida, the Unifloat® Concrete Dock System is custom designed for Hurricane Hole. Bellingham Marine will employ local Bahamian labor during the installation process. As a five-star destination and home port, the Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina will provide 24-hour security, on-site Customs & Immigration services, 400-amp, 480-volt power, fuel and pump-out service, laundry, shower, and dressing room facilities with expected completion in the final months of 2021. See all ABM Marina Services Allied Members, like Bellingham Marine. If you are interested in joining the ABM, visit https://www.bahamasmarinas.com/membership

Transformation has begun of the iconic Hurricane Hole Marina on Paradise Island into what will be the leading superyacht destination in The Bahamas. Renamed Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina at Paradise Landing, the renowned destination has been fully reimagined to include luxury residences, retail services, amazing dining, and amenities designed for owners, guests and crew. Construction is underway with the completion of the marina scheduled for Q4 2021. “This will be a new dimension in yachting in The Bahamas, and luxury living on Paradise Island,” said David Kosoy, Executive Chairman & Founder, Sterling Global Financial, the project’s developer, manager, and owner. “With great respect for Hurricane Hole’s place in the rich history of Paradise Island, and The Bahamas, we are committed to restoring this famous marina into a premier yachting destination, and a place for the community to enjoy.” Envisioned by an international team of development experts, architects and designers, the restored marina property will feature a combination of floating and fixed concrete docks, luxury dockside residences, amazing dining, waterfront bars, a gourmet grocery store, executive office space, and an exceptional array of much needed services on Paradise Island. Separate pool, lounge, and gym facilities will be dedicated for yacht captains and crew add to the property’s unique appeal. Hurricane Hole is a proud member of the Association of Bahamas Marinas.

The Bahamas Marine Protected Area Joins Six Other Global Ocean Refuge Award Winners at 2018 Our Ocean Conference [Bali, Indonesia]. Today at the 2018 Our Ocean Conference, where representatives from nations around the world and hundreds of marine conservationists are gathered, Marine Conservation Institute announced that the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park in The Bahamas earned a Platinum Global Ocean Refuge Award. Joining a prestigious group of ten marine protected areas (MPAs) that comprise the Global Ocean Refuge System means that Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park meets the highest science-based standards for biodiversity protection and best practices for management and enforcement. This strongly protected blue park makes an outstanding contribution to saving marine life for future generations. Marine Conservation Institute awards Global Ocean Refuge status to MPAs like the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park for actively protecting the world’s most valuable and biodiverse ocean habitats, sustaining marine biodiversity and increasing populations of marine life. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park joins a growing network of Global Ocean Refuges that will contribute to reaching strong protection for 30% of the ocean’s most critical places by 2030. The Institute’s objective for the award is to bring special recognition to nations, decision makers and site managers who effectively protect their marine ecosystems and to incentivize better ocean protection worldwide. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (ECLSP) serves as an ecological refuge to numerous plant, coral and animal species due to its relatively undisturbed coral reef, mangrove, and seagrass bed ecosystems. In an archipelago of many islands and surrounding reefs, this MPA stands out for strong protection and careful management. The ECLSP is one of 32 National Parks managed by the Bahamas National Trust a non-governmental organization created by an Act of Parliament with the statutory mandate of managing the national parks. Eric Carey, Executive Director, The Bahamas National Trust, said, “The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (ECLSP) highlights the ability of a well-managed marine park to not only preserve the beauty of an area, but also to provide critical protection for marine life to maintain the delicate balance, and health of coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. It also shows how no marine protected area is an island, and how outside factors, whether they be increasing sea temperatures or unsustainable fishing, can affect the ability of the park to safeguard the species and habitats within it. The Bahamas is currently addressing these issues by expanding its system of MPAs to build a network of MPAs that will replenish each other and surrounding areas, sustainably protect marine ecosystems and key species within them, while allowing human access and uses that are compatible with the goals of sustainability. The ECLSP was the springboard that created the awareness of how important it is to protect and conserve our marine environment. The Bahamas National Trust is honored to be recognized by the Global Ocean Refuge System. There is no greater honor than to be recognized by the scientific community and peer management agencies.” Janet Johnson, President, The Bahamas National Trust, said “The Bahamas National Trust is honored to accept this Platinum Global Refuge Award. To have marine scientists from around the world recognize and recommend the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park for the award is overwhelming, but also rewarding. The original members and advisors of the Exuma Expedition in 1958, who recommended the protection of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the first land and sea park in the world, were visionaries. They envisioned a park in which the land and sea were held interdependently with man, as an integral part of the natural system, reaping a resource harvest, enjoying natural aesthetic values, but never destroying resources beyond their ability to replenish themselves. Their vision led to a park that would influence the course of inshore, marine conservation throughout The Bahamas and around the world. This award recognizes that vision and helps to ensure that the ECLSP, through the implementation of science-based management standards, conserves unique island ecosystems, functions as a marine fishery reserve and assures that the beauty of the area will be enjoyed and experienced by future generations in perpetuity.” Today’s Global Ocean Refuge announcements recognize six other MPAs around the world that share many of the same characteristics of Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. These awards bring the total number of Global Ocean Refuge award winners to ten. The award celebrates excellence in marine conservation just as the Oscars™ do for movies or Olympic medals do for sports. “We are extremely proud of our ten Global Ocean Refuges and their management teams. In 2018, we are adding seven new blue parks to the Global Ocean Refuge System, covering an additional 3,243.6 square kilometers (1252.4 square miles) of ocean. Each one has a strong management team, a clear plan to conserve biodiversity, and effective monitoring and enforcement efforts in place. Each Global Ocean Refuge supports healthy oceans, contributes to its local economy, and brings us closer to the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030,” says Sarah Hameed, Director and Senior Scientist of Marine Conservation Institute. “To understand the importance of these new blue parks in the Global Ocean Refuge System, it is critical to understand that many of today’s MPAs do not protect ocean ecosystems very well: they have loose or no rules and weak or nonexistent management,” said Lance Morgan, President of Marine Conservation Institute. Morgan continued, “Sometimes called ‘paper parks’, they appear in lists of MPAs and are officially counted as MPAs but lack substance. Joining the Global Ocean Refuge System requires achieving a science-based standard that we know protects the oceans for generations to come. By recognizing, valuing, and visiting these blue parks, we encourage more countries to meet this critical standard going forward.” Today’s winners join a prestigious list of Global Ocean Refuges including Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. These outstanding MPAs help secure lasting protection; and their recognition is inspiring other MPAs to apply for Global Ocean Refuge status. Nominations for 2019 awardees begin in January. Visit the Global Ocean Refuge System website to learn how your MPA can be evaluated for a Global Ocean Refuge award: https://globaloceanrefuge.org/refuges/criteria/ About the Global Ocean Refuge System Awards Marine Conservation Institute launched the Global Ocean Refuge System to safeguard marine wildlife, secure critical habitats, and protect ocean health for future generations. In 2017, the first three Platinum-level Global Ocean Refuges were awarded: Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Malpelo Fauna, and Flora Sanctuary, and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Another seven Global Ocean Refuge Awards are being announced at the 2018 Our Ocean Conference. About Marine Conservation Institute Marine Conservation Institute is a team of highly-experienced marine scientists and environmental policy advocates dedicated to saving ocean life for us and future generations. The organization’s goal is to help create an urgently-needed worldwide system of strongly protected areas—the Global Ocean Refuge System (GLORES)—as a strategic way to ensure the future diversity and abundance of marine life. To enhance marine protection efforts around the globe, Marine Conservation Institute also built the world’s most comprehensive online marine protected area database, the Atlas of Marine Protection

INACCURATE NEWS REPORTING CREATES CONFUSION OVER BAHAMAS TRAVEL The Bahamas remain open to private international flights and charters, as well as private pleasure craft and yachts from all countries. Recently announced restrictions apply only to incoming international commercial flights and commercial vessels carrying passengers outside of certain exempted countries as of July 22.  Commercial flights from United Kingdom, Canada and the bloc of countries that comprise the European Union are still permitted. Currently travel from the U.S. is permissible to all of The Islands of The Bahamas with the exception of Grand Bahama.  Grand Bahama is closed to all in-bound or out-bound travel, domestic and international, with the exception of emergency and essential purposes. The Association of Bahamas Marinas, a group consisting of marina owners and operators, identified that numerous media outlets had been reporting incomplete/inaccurate reporting of the latest travel restrictions to The Bahamas as ordered by Bahamas Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis. Erroneous reporting of a “travel ban” by news outlets throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe following the Prime Minister’s announcement produced large numbers of cancellation to hotels, marinas and vacation rental companies. Extensive protocols were developed and implemented by the Bahamas government with the aid and support of the Association of Bahamas Marinas to insure the most rigid compliance with health and safety standards were created and enforced by the tourism sector to insure the safety and well-being of visitors and local residents.  These protocols were successfully tested and implemented effective June 15, 2020, two full weeks prior to the country fully reopening date of July 1, 2020. Maintaining this model of health and safety for inbound and outbound travel, The Bahamas remains open to the private boat and air community.  As the peak boating summer boating season is in full swing, we are able to ensure this portion of the Bahamian tourism economy can survive this global pandemic. For more information, please contact Mr. Basil Smith, Executive Director at execdirector@bahamasmarinas.com or visit the Association of Bahamas Marinas website at www.bahamasmarinas.com. For full set of up to date travel requirements and protocols, visit https://bahamasmarinas.com/procedures-and-protocols.

Association of Bahamas Marinas Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund Visit: https://bahamasmarinas.com Facebook: facebook.com/ABMMarinas Email: marketing@bahamasmarinas.com

The Association of Bahamas Marinas, on behalf of its participating members, are in full support mode of the northern islands of The Bahamas. As are all the Bahamian people, we are grateful for the outpouring of support and we will be there for our fellow marinas for as long as it takes to rebuild and come back better than before. The Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands spread out over 100,000 square miles of ocean and only a small portion of the country was impacted by Hurricane Dorian. The single most important thing that the boating and yachting community can do for The Bahamas and its people, is to come visit. Tourism makes up almost 70% of our nation’s GDP. This revenue not only supports all the Bahamian people, it will be a driving force behind the rebuilding of the hurricane damaged islands of the Abacos and Grand Bahama. Many, if not all, of the residents of these two islands, may have to relocate to other islands within The Bahamas for a while. They too will most likely be supported by the tourism industry, as this is where the bulk of our jobs lie. We welcome all of our past, current and future guests to start making your plans for this upcoming boating and yachting season. From Long Island to Exuma to Eleuthera to Bimini, the Bahamian people welcome you with open arms. Here is the list of marinas that are open and waiting for your arrival. The ABM represents the leading marinas throughout seven Bahamas island groups. These marinas are a collective voice in the marina industry working maintain high standards of service and quality improvements in boater safety and security, marina operating standards and in-water and on the dock training programs. The ABM and member marinas can be visited at the following Florida boat shows: Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show October 30 – November 3, 2019 Stuart Boat Show January 10-12, 2020 Palm Beach International Boat Show March 26-29, 2020 For information on all of the marinas listed below, visit the Association of Bahamas Marinas website: www.BahamasMarinas.com.

The Islands of The Bahamas is known globally as one of the top boating destinations in the western hemisphere. Moreover, recent statistics reveal that over the past three years there has been an increase of more than 60 percent in the number of boaters to The Bahamas. The Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM), which represents the interests of the boating, sports fishing and marina industries in The Bahamas, works with the country’s tourism ministry to promote boating to The Bahamas. The mission of the ABM is creating and encouraging a national set of standards for marinas, their service levels, their safety and their efforts to conserve the environment. Specific objectives include establishing educational and training projects, certificate and related programs and research studies in order to improve the skills of marina operators, dock-masters and other personnel, be an information provider of news and trends shaping the industry with hopes of improving customer experiences, improve operations and increase profitability to the industry. For the boater, the ABM looks to educate regarding safe and responsible recreational use of the Bahamian waters and natural resources that make The Bahamas a prized destination. One of the major boating and boater related initiatives in The Bahamas for 2019 is the introduction of a single electronic / on-line portal for the application and payment of fees for cruising permits and the yacht charter fee. This will save boaters substantial time with inbound customs & immigration and will streamline the collection of fees for the government. Currently, boaters need to fill out a number of Customs and Immigration forms. These forms can be found on-line and fill out prior to arrive. To view and download the forms visit, https://bahamasmarinas.com/enteringexiting-policies. Bahamas entry fees for boaters currently are: a) For boats up to 35′, the fee is $150.00 b) For boats over35′,the fee is $300.00 The fees will cover Cruising Permit; Fishing Permit; and Departure Tax for up to three (3) persons. Each additional person above three will be charged a $25 departure tax. This fee is good for a second re-entry within a 90-day period. The ABM has recently launched the Voyager cruising club as one method for bringing in the funds needed to pay for these initiatives. The Voyager membership program offers participating boaters exclusive benefits such as discounts, cruising guides and invitations to special events at marinas and boating related businesses throughout The Bahamas and the U.S. The Voyager program is geared towards boating enthusiasts and anyone can join by paying a $75 annual membership fee. A significant portion of this membership fee goes directly to the environmental protection work of the Bahamas National Trust and the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF). The rest is put towards funding ABM initiatives and raising the profile of boating to and throughout The Bahamas. The ABM has opened up the resale of these memberships to any person, company or group that would like to get involved. For more information on the Voyager program, call 844-556-5290 / 410-988-3829 or visit www.voyagermember.com. For more information on the Association of Bahamas Marinas visit http://www.bahamasmarinas.com.