The Tribune

SHOWCASING the beauty and biodiversity of an island is not easy to do in under 15 minutes, but this is the job that Matt McCoy of Loggerhead Productions did while working with the Bahamas National Trust and National Audubon to create a spectacular short film about these cays and tidal creeks that are usually only seen by fishermen frequenting the Joulter Cays.

Recently released and showcased to the minister of the environment at a BNT breakfast briefing, this PSA on the Joulter Cays is now playing on both ZNS TV and Cable 12 before the news. The PSA discusses the beauty and importance of the marine ecosystem that surrounds the island as well as highlighting the importance of the tidal flats for migratory shorebirds, including the endangered Piping Plover. The Trust hopes that this unique area which features a coppice forest, mangrove nursery areas, sandy shore, sea grass beds and areas of endangered Staghorn Coral will be declared a national park in the very near future.

The voice-over was provided by well-known radio personality Ed Fields, who takes us on a wonderful journey throughout the Joulters both on land and under the sea.

Local fishermen were actively involved in the creation of the film. Philip Rolle, an Andros bonefishing guide needed no script when he says “The Joulter Cays are second to none when it comes to beauty.”

Elias Griffin, another guide, is movingly sincere when he says: “Beautiful, just beautiful! We want it to remain the way it is. That would be best for the community and the people who fish here.”

BNT Warden Tavares Thompson also speaks from the heart when he says: “When you talk about diversity some people think it is just about birds and fish, but all these species coexist in this area.

“This place is here for fishermen, birders, and anyone who wants to be in touch with nature. They can come to the Joulter Cays and enjoy themselves.”

The BNT has released the PSA to help gather support for the creation of the Joulter Cays National Park, and hopes that by releasing the video through such channels as ZNS and Cable 12, during the month of June that it will reach a wider audience, and will encourage people to take action and support the creation of the park.

The BNT encourages all Bahamians and residents to watch the video on their YouTube channel and to write letters of support to help them establish the national park.