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Nassau, Bahamas – BREEF hosted a special snorkel adventure in the waters off Clifton Heritage National Park to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Coral Reef Sculpture Garden & Coral Nursery. What was meant to be a joyous occasion took an unexpected turn when snorkelers encountered oil in the water, suspected to have come from the nearby Clifton power plant.

This incident underscores the severe impact oil spills can have on our oceans. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect our marine environments from pollution and ensure the safety of our precious ecosystems.

BREEF is committed to raising awareness about critical threats and taking action to prevent further damage to our oceans. Despite the unforeseen challenge, the press snorkel event highlighted the importance of continued vigilance and advocacy for marine conservation.

Jervon Sands, Bahamas Youth Climate Ambassador at the Office of the Prime Minister penned an article about his experience swimming through the oil spill called, Pressing Threats to Our Marine Environment Should Inspire Us to Act.

Antonia Ferguson (Mermaid Antonia) also highlighted her experience with the oil here.

Ban Oil Drilling in The Bahamas

In response to the most recent oil spill, Our Islands, Our Future (OIOF), a coalition of over 150 businesses, environmental groups, tourism advocates, and other Bahamian and international leaders, reiterated their strong opposition to Challenger Energy Group’s suggestion that the Bahamian government may renew offshore drilling licences that expired over three years ago. BREEF and Waterkeepers are steering committee members of the OIOF coalition. The coalition emphasises that the government’s previous decision to halt consideration of these renewals sends a clear message: The Bahamas is shifting away from fossil fuels and embracing a sustainable energy future.

Public Support for a Permanent Ban on Oil Drilling

Earlier this year, OIOF commissioned a nationwide poll revealing overwhelming public support for a permanent ban on oil drilling in Bahamian waters. The extensive survey showed that 86% of respondents support legislative action to prevent further fossil fuel exploration, with 74% advocating for a transition to renewable energy.

“The Bahamian people have spoken loud and clear. They want to protect our pristine waters and vibrant marine life, which are the lifeblood of our tourism and fishing industries,” said Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, Executive Director of BREEF. “The path forward for The Bahamas is not through fossil fuels but through sustainable energy solutions. The oil spills in the waters off Clifton underscores the need to clean up the existing sources of marine pollution and transition to a renewable future.”