The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Education Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) kicked off its first public beach activity of the year with a snorkel event at Sea Beach Promenade on West Bay Street, engaging the local community in marine conservation.

The event offered participants an educational and exciting underwater experience. Approximately 30 people, ranging from children as young as 8 years old to adults, participated in the activity. Before heading into the water, participants were given a tutorial on how to use snorkel gear and were provided with fish identification slates to help them spot various marine organisms.

As they snorkelled, participants were treated to a breathtaking view of the vibrant marine life surrounding the coral reefs. Blue tangs, grunts, and wrasses were spotted swimming among colourful corals, while conchs, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins rested on the shallow-water reefs. The experience allowed the participants to witness firsthand the rich biodiversity of The Bahamas’ underwater world and understand the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems.

Eden Cartwright, 18 years old, a first-time snorkeler at the event, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “This was my first time snorkelling in Nassau, and the event was great. I had an amazing time, not just seeing but learning about the reefs and the fish that live there too.”

For 12-year-old D’liam Clarke, who has attended BREEF snorkels before, the event was equally memorable. “I started going to BREEF snorkels last year and I really enjoyed this one,” he said. “I learned so much about reefs, and I would love to attend future BREEF events, especially snorkelling ones.”

Farrah Flowers, a 17-year-old BREEF BESS intern, reflected on the experience, saying, “It was a wonderful experience to volunteer for the snorkel and watch the community connect with the ocean. We helped people discover the amazing beauty hidden just beneath the surface of our Bahamian waters.”

Jasmond Collie, BREEF’s outreach and education officer, emphasised the importance of such experiences for youth and marine conservation. 

“At BREEF, we believe that seeing these incredible underwater creatures firsthand makes all the difference,” she said.

“When we can see the amazing marine life in person, it truly remains in our sight and in our minds. That experience not only inspires us to be more responsible citizens who protect our oceans, but it’s also fun and memorable for everyone involved!”

For more information on BREEF and upcoming events, visit www.breef.org.