Following the observance of International Mangrove Day on July 26, Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited (GBSL) is highlighting the continued growth of its mangrove restoration partnership with Waterkeepers Bahamas, an employee-supported effort helping to restore coastal areas damaged by Hurricane Dorian.
Through the partnership, Shipyard employees have helped plant nearly 25,000 mangrove seedlings at Dover Sound, contributing to a wider community effort involving volunteers, students, government agencies, environmental advocates and corporate partners.
For Grand Bahama, the work carries particular significance. Mangrove forests at Dover Sound and in other areas of the island suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Dorian. Restoring these ecosystems helps rebuild natural coastal barriers that reduce wave energy and erosion while providing nursery habitats for fish and other marine life.
“Restoring Grand Bahama’s mangroves is about helping to protect an ecosystem that also helps protect our island,” said Marvin Basden, GBSL Vice President of Environment, Quality, Facility Maintenance and Infrastructure Development. “What makes this partnership especially meaningful is the commitment of our employees.
They willingly give their time, often on weekends and in difficult conditions, because they understand the lasting value of this work to our coastline, marine environment and community.”
The Shipyard’s involvement extends beyond community planting days. GBSL maintains a mangrove nursery at its wastewater treatment plant and two planting beds near its Administrative Office, where collected propagules are nurtured until they are ready for transplantation. Employees also participate in seasonal propagule collection, helping maintain a reliable supply of young mangroves for future restoration activities.
For Laniquar Martin, a Financial Accountant who has worked at Grand Bahama Shipyard for ten years, the programme has grown into a family commitment.
“”Participating in the mangrove restoration programme has been incredibly rewarding,” said Martin. “I take pride in supporting an initiative that cares for our environment, and my daughters look forward to every planting. It has also been encouraging to see friends, teachers and students become inspired to take part.”
Waterkeepers Bahamas said the Shipyard’s consistent participation and practical support have helped sustain the programme, expand its community reach and constribute to restoration milestones, including a record 6,000 propaguls planted by Shipyard employees in just thirty minutes.
“This is more than a restoration project; it is a statement that our community believes in protecting the places that protect us,” said Javan Hunt, Special Projects Coordinator and Mangrove Nursery Manager at Waterkeepers Bahamas. “Grand Bahama Shipyard has become one of the programme’s most dependable corporate partners. Its team consistently arrives ready to work and provides additional tools, refreshments and clean water to support the wider volunteer effort.” Although field planting pauses during the Atlantic hurricane season, the Shipyard’s restoration efforts continue through propagule collection and nursery cultivation. Collected propagules will be nurtured at the Shipyard until conditions allow community planting activities to resume.
