TCIG Partners with Private Sector to Install Large Vessel Moorings The Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) have partnered with local entrepreneurs to install large vessel moorings at Northwest Point, Grace Bay, Pine Cay, South Caicos and other locations across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). The installation of these moorings is expected to reduce reef damage such as that which occurred on 1-2 April 2013 in the Northwest Point Marine National Park as a result of the grounding of Mega Yacht M/Y White Cloud. Since then, DEMA, TCRF and private sector stakeholders have been meeting to discuss ways to prevent the reoccurrence of such damages. There have been at least 10 anchorages for large vessels located near Providenciales, in recent years. However there has been a growing number of mega yachts visiting the TCI and many of the existing anchorages are not located in areas where pleasure yachts want to go, presenting the temptation to anchor at unauthorised locations. The installation of large vessel moorings alleviates this problem, by providing safe mooring in areas that are attractive to traveling yachtsmen. The moorings are part of the infrastructure for a cruising tour of the Turks and Caicos Islands that will allow visitors to moor safely at prime locations, as they circumnavigate the islands. The moorings are being installed with contributions from Blue Haven Marina, Turtle Cove Marina, Sail Rock, Grace Bay Club and Amanyara Resort. The donations will pay for materials and installation costs at an estimated cost of $6,000 per installation. DEMA and TCRF are hoping to raise additional funds to install moorings at other locations, such as West Caicos and Grand Turk. “DEMA and TCRF would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the generous contributors who made this initiative possible,” Director of DEMA Kathleen Wood said. She noted: “TCI’s coral reefs are not only the backbone of islands’ fragile marine ecosystems, but also the backbone of the country’s economy, providing for tourism, recreation, storm protection and fisheries”.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 12:02:05 +0000
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