Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “THE QUEEN CONCH NEEDS PROTECTION” plus 1 more
THE QUEEN CONCH NEEDS PROTECTION

Posted: 08 Mar 2018 02:36 PM PST

The queen conch (Strombus gigas) is a large marine mollusc, formerly abundant throughout the Caribbean region. It is now under threat from overfishing.

There has been a major decline in the population of protected queen conchs in the Bahamas’ Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park over the last 20 years.

The most recent survey found predominantly older queen conchs, with a shortage of juveniles to replace them.

Researchers believe overfishing in upstream areas has depleted the park’s larval supply. Increased predator density within the park may also be a problem for juveniles.

Queen conch fisheries outside protected areas in the Bahamas are experiencing intense fishing pressure and are near collapse.

Conchs play a huge role in Bahamian culture.

Act now to save the Queen Conch.

Shedd Aquarium Postdoctoral Research Associate Dr. Andy Kough has been working alongside partners at the Bahamas National Trust to survey different habitats around The Bahamas for queen conch. Using Shedd’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II, Dr. Kough and fellow researchers are gathering data to inform conch fishery management and protect populations into the future.

Long Island Update 2018

Posted: 08 Mar 2018 02:29 PM PST

Here are some changes to add to your 6th Edition Explorer Chartbook Far Bahamas, in case you haven’t already found them:

NORTH END, CAPE SANTA MARIA TO HARVEY’S BAY

Pratt’s Store at Seymours closed
Beach Bungalow Restaurant closed
Internet Connection near Stella Maris closed
Williams’ Auto Car Rentals at Glintons closed
No more scooter rentals at Stella Maris Inn

Coming soon: Tiki Bar and Grill at north end of Queen’s Highway at Seymours; boat tours of swimming pigs and feeding the stingrays.
Add Columbus Harbour Tours with Omar Daley at 357-1417.

HARVEY’S BAY TO MCKANNS

Add Green Leaf Bar and Grill at Bunches
Long Island Souvenirs at Deals
Wemyss-ical Treasures at Wemyss

SALT POND (Thompson Bay to Grays)

Long Island Breeze closed
Royal Bank of Canada in Cartwrights closed
Scotia Bank at Buckleys operating only two days a week with limited services (still have ATM for now)
Explorer Chartbooks now available at Seafarer Marine, Salt Pond, as well as Long Island Petroleum
Hardings Supply Centre Salt Pond closed
Add to Restaurants: Club Washington in McKanns and Tiny’s Hurricane Hole (formerly Parrots of the Caribbean) on Thompson Bay
Internet at Sou’Side Grill and Tiny’s
Also laundry at Tiny’s (two washers and dryers)
Seaside Car Rental (formerly listed as Fox Auto) correct phone number 338-0140 or 357-1528
Stan’s Car Rentals closed

DEADMANS CAY AREA
Add to Groceries: Kirtland’s Supermarket and Deli
JB Carroll’s Grocery and lodging closed
Library at Buckleys closed
Constantakis no longer rents cars in Petty’s
Add to Restaurants: Lloyd’s Sporting Lounge (Restaurant) at Turnbull, Big Gate on airport road.

CLARENCE TOWN and SOUTH END

The new Lighthouse Point Restaurant at Flying Fish Marina offers a spectacular view of the ocean and the cut into the harbour. There is also a new ship’s store with limited but growing supplies.

Add to Bakery and Groceries: Everyday Essentials (delicious baked bread and goodies and dry goods) on the hill in downtown Clarence Town

Below Clarence Town, closed businesses are Yelredda’s, Sweet P’s, Red Door at Berry’s, BTC Roses. Government clinic is still open.

J’s Convenience Store at Dunmore, expanded merchandise

A road trip revealed that the Queen’s Highway gets worse with potholes as you travel north from Salt Pond and better as you travel south, but it is always worth a road ramble on Long Island to find the old and the new.