Conservation Cove's Community Day 2025 Unites Grand Bahama for Ocean Conservation

On Saturday, May 3rd, nearly 1,000 Grand Bahama residents, students, scientists, and environmental advocates gathered for the second annual Conservation Cove Community Day—a vibrant celebration of ocean stewardship, community spirit, and sustainable innovation.

Lashanti Jupp, Senior Advisor at Blue Action

Hosted by Blue Action Lab, Coral Vita, Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, the Grand Bahama Queen Conch Mariculture Center, and Waterkeepers Bahamas, the free event transformed Conservation Cove into a dynamic space for connection, creativity, and conservation. Guests were invited to take guided tours of the working coral farm, the nation’s pioneering Queen Conch Mariculture Center, and the north shore’s mangrove restoration projects.

Earth Photo exhibition from the Royal Geographical Society, presented with support from the British High Commission

A major highlight was the Earth Photo exhibition from the Royal Geographical Society, presented with support from the British High Commission. The powerful collection of international photography encouraged visitors to view climate change through a global lens—from wildfires in South Africa to river pollution in China—shedding light on how communities around the world are experiencing different consequences of environmental change. Complimentary tours of the exhibition are available via email at team@blueaction.eco.

Families flocked to the Kids Corner for creative, eco-themed activities. Crafthouse led a hands-on sea glass magnet workshop, while Artistry in the Archipelago, led by Climate & Environmental Scientist Amber Turner and Climate Justice Storyteller Lauren Ritchie, invited children to express themselves through art and also showcased handmade conch jewelry by local fisherman LeRoy—highlighting sustainable Bahamian craftsmanship.

A standout moment of the day was the collaborative community mural led by acclaimed Bahamian artist H.E. Jamaal Rolle. Guests were invited to contribute their own brushstrokes, turning the mural into a shared expression of unity and environmental stewardship.

(i)Jasmine Ferree, owner Lignum Vitae Café (ii) Serene Greene, owner Bakere & Creme (iii) Rotary, on the BBQ (iv) Amber Turner, Artistry in the Archipelago with local artist, Leroy

The event also offered a vibrant lineup of local food and drink vendors, including Laures’ Kitchen, Mini Donut King, Lignum Vitae Café, Bahamas Apiary, and the Rotary Club of Freeport, who served up a crowd-pleasing BBQ. Beverages were generously sponsored by Caribbean Wines and Spirits, Bahamian Brewery Co., and Sands Beer.

Interactive booths by the University of The Bahamas – North, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Bahamas National Trust, and the Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee offered hands-on educational experiences exploring marine science and sustainability across The Bahamas.

Community Day’s highly anticipated raffle featured incredible prizes donated by local businesses, including:• A $1,000 Solomon’s gift card• Gym memberships from Phoenix Fitness• A massage from Renu Day Spa• Dining experiences from Stoned Crab, Banana Bay, and The Galley• Nature tours with Blue Green Outdoors, Grand Bahama Nature Tours, and West End Ecology Tours• Swim lessons from Alpha Aquatics CARIFTA medalists• A Dolphin Encounter at Sanctuary Bay

Rupert Hayward, Founder at Blue Action with Sherwin Tate, Sweeting's Cay Chief Councilor, Lorenzo McKensie , Patricia Johnson and Suzie, Port Lucaya Straw Market Vendors

“We want to ensure that Bahamian communities are at the heart of this transition and can directly benefit from the emerging blue economy,” said Rupert Hayward, Founder and President of Blue Action Lab.

“Whenever we can blend together fun, learning, and positive impact for folks of all ages, it’s a good day at the office,” added Sam Teicher, Co-Founder & Chief Reef Officer at Coral Vita. “Conservation Cove is a place where people can experience first-hand how we grow coral to protect coastlines, tourism, and fisheries—while inspiring hope and action.”

(i) Amanda Dylan, FAU, with Jinnel Sturridge, BNT (ii) Melissa Halpern, Blue Action with Dr Megan Davies (iii) Javan Hunt & Taylor, Waterkeepers

Dr. Megan Davis, who leads conch restoration efforts at the Grand Bahama Queen Conch Mariculture Center, emphasized the importance of local engagement: “Community Day is a special opportunity for visitors to see the hard work of Grand Bahamian marine scientists and help shape a future where conch remains a vital part of The Bahamas’ culture, economy, and daily life.”

“At Waterkeepers Bahamas, we believe that protecting our waters is more than conservation—it’s about preserving our heritage, empowering our communities, and restoring what connects us all,” said Javan Hunt of Waterkeepers Bahamas.

We are deeply grateful to our 2025 event sponsors, whose support made this celebration possible:

Gold Partners: MSC Foundation, AML Foods Limited, Grand Bahama Port Authority, Caribbean Wines and Spirits, H.E. Jamaal Rolle

Silver Partners: Freeport Oil Company Limited (FOCOL), Kelly’s Freeport

Bronze Partners: Freeport Ship Services, Grand Bahama Power Company, Kanoo, Pelican Bay Hotel, Crown Ice, Tourism Development Corporation, Bahamian Brewery, Signmasters

Raffle Sponsors: AML Foods Limited, Sanctuary Bay, Renu Day Spa, Blue Green Outdoors, Paradise Cove, Grand Bahama Nature Tours, Stoned Crab, Banana Bay, O.B.S Marine, Alpha Aquatics, Phoenix Fitness, The Galley Restaurant, West End Ecology Tours, Lignum Vitae Café, Green Thumb, Bahamas National Trust, Blue Action Lab, Coral Vita

(i) Coral Vita team, (ii ) Waylon McHardy, Carribean Wines & Spirits with Ann-Marie Carroll, Blue Action (iii) Kristian Moree, Aquaculture Technician, Grand Bahama Queen Conch Mariculture Center (iv) Andurah Daxon & Javan Hunt, Waterkeepers Bahamas (v) Joe Darville, Save the Bays