Planting for the future: Grand Bahama Shipyard helps rebuild coastal ecosystems
Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited (GBSL) is helping rebuild the mangrove forests that help protect Grand Bahama’s coastline. Through a partnership with Waterkeepers Bahamas, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the country’s water resources, GBSL employees have planted nearly 25,000 seedlings at Dover Sound, where mangroves were extensively damaged by Hurricane Dorian.
The initiative was highlighted following International Mangrove Day on July 26th and forms part of a broader community restoration effort involving volunteers, students, government agencies, environmental advocates and corporate partners.
Employee engagement is also an important part of the restoration effort, with GBSL teams actively participating in community planting activities. During one of these events, they planted a record 6,000 young mangrove seedlings, known as propagules, in 30 minutes. They also take part in seasonal propagule collection, helping maintain a supply of young mangroves for future planting.
The restoration work continues at the shipyard between community planting activities with GBSL maintaining a mangrove nursery at its wastewater treatment plant, as well as two planting beds near its administrative office. Collected propagules are nurtured at these sites until they are ready for transplantation.
These efforts contribute to the recovery of ecosystems that play an important role in protecting coastal communities. Mangroves reduce wave energy and erosion, while their root systems provide nursery habitats for fish and other marine life. Their recovery at Dover Sound and elsewhere on Grand Bahama is therefore contributing to the renewal of both natural coastal protection and marine habitat.
