andros barrier reef

• Andros Barrier Reef


  • Located in the Bahamas
  • 200km long
• Andros Barrier Reef


  • 164 species of fish and coral, including red snapper, reef shark and green turtle

  
• Fish benefit from


  Safety and shelter of the reef for breeding
• Coral benefits from


  The nitrogen excreted by the fish and the material from the sea bed swept up by fish shoals
• Warm, tropical climate and clear sea

  • Allows photosynthesis so phytoplankton can survive
  • All other parts of the reef system rely on phytoplankton as they are the base of the food chain
• Tourism


  • Recreational activities such as fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving
  • Brings in over $150 million a year for the local economy
• Fish


  • Attract the tourists and caught and sold both within the Bahamas and abroad
  • Lobster and snapper earn locals millions of dollars
• Breeding grounds


  Shelter for fish to breed, especially in mangrove forests
• Coastal protection


  Reduces coastal erosion and flooding as the shallow water causes waves to break before they reach the land
• Medicine


  Chemicals released by coral species may help cure various diseases including asthma
• Research


  This is one of the healthiest in the world and so scientists use it for research
• Andros West Side National Park


  • Balance between traditions and conservation
  • Fishing is controlled and there is resources conservation
  • Ecotourism is encouraged
  • Developments are controlled
• Crab replenishment reserve


  • Best lad crab area in Andros
  • Set aside to rebuild the crab population and ensure it is sustainable
• Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park


  • Coral nursery established
  • Endangered species are monitored and conserved before being planted in the coral reef
• Mangroves filter pollutants and trap sediments, improving water quality and clarity within the reef ecosystem.