If you dream about exploring the Bahamas and are looking for a guide to help navigate its tropical waters, you’re in luck. A new app from the Association of Bahama Marinas (ABM) is just what you need to cruise with ease through the archipelago of about 700 islands and 2,400 cays.
ABM’s new app gives Android and Apple users real-time updates about all 50 member marinas and allied service members, as well as current info on health protocols, fishing rules and entry requirements.
“We recognized that the boating public could not always access a website while they were aboard their vessels, so we engaged Land and Sea Software Corp to design an app that made information available offline yet would update once an acceptable cell signal was established. Our users could always depend on receiving the latest available information when they opened the app because the ABM pushed updates to users as soon as changes were announced”, according to Basil Smith, the Executive Director of The Association of Bahamas Marinas.
You can download the app for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Click here for more info.
Abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) are a growing problem in the boating community and pose dangerous environmental threats. When boats are irresponsibly discarded and sink below the surface, plastics, glass and pollutants are also left behind, harming marine life and aquatic ecosystems. Debris in the water can cause serious risks to boats, damage other vessels, marinas and properties, and obstruct safe cruising.
Thanks to nationwide environmental organizations, efforts to remove ADVs are increasing with help from federal agencies. The Annapolis-based nonprofit, BoatUS Foundation, recently received a $10 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from its Marine Debris Removal Program. This competitive four-year grant program will support the BoatUS Foundation’s efforts toward Boating Safety and Clean Water. It is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through NOAA’s mission to address the marine debris crisis.
In addition to vessel removal, BoatUS Foundation’s project will also develop a national database to track ADVs and support educational research. This database will include an added focus on ADV impact in underserved communities. Most of the funds are dedicated to complete marine debris removal programs along the nation’s coastal regions, as well as extending into the Great Lakes.
BoatUS Foundation Director of Outreach, Alanna Keating, says the team is in the beginning stages of the project and looks forward to working with partners, stakeholders, local government and communities to tackle this large-scale issue nationwide.
“We want to look at why ADVs happen, how to address them on a local and state level, how to be efficient and work through the process with states and entities involved to streamline a structured, efficient removal,” says Keating.
“We’ll utilize that information we receive to work toward the prevention aspect — what can we do to help remove the barriers that prevent people from proper disposal? Whether it’s a cost or permitting issue, access to sustainable disposal, etc., this will give us ideas about how to work on national and state-level prevention.”
BoatUS says they are working diligently to get the project off the ground and see the impact. Stay tuned for updates at boatus.org/ADVGrant.
The NOAA Marine Debris Program awarded 14 recipients, totaling $69 million in federal funding over the 2022-2023 fiscal years. In addition to the BoatUS Foundation, NOAA grantees include the Center for Coastal Studies (New England), Gulf of Mexico Alliance (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas), Isla Mar Research Expeditions (Puerto Rico) and more. To learn more, visit marinedebris.noaa.gov.
For more information on ADVs, read Marinalife’s recent Eco-Friendly Boating column.
.png)
At Marinalife, our hearts go out to the people of Maui in the wake of the wildfire disaster. The loss of more than 3,000 acres of land and 2,200 structures includes homes, medical facilities, businesses, marinas and charter boat companies. As Marinalife offers emergency relief and recovery funds to the island, we also encourage our readers, marinas and the boating community to lend a hand. Please join our efforts by supporting some of the following organizations that address essential life issues to help Maui residents on their road to recovery:
The eastern shore is about to experience an awe-inspiring sight as the World’s Largest Rubber Duck sets sail for Maryland waters. The gigantic yellow duck, also known as “Mama Duck,” will be making its maiden voyage to the Bay region in August, promising a quacking good time for all!
After captivating crowds in Michigan and New York this summer, the World’s Largest Rubber Duck will be visiting the Leonardtown Wharf for the Wharf Fest from August 4-6, followed by an appearance at Crisfield’s Little Big Townfest held at Somers Cove Marina from August 11-13. Attendees of both events can expect a delightful lineup of duck-themed activities, including duck selfies, music, games, and an array of vendors offering delectable food and drinks.
Since 2014, Mama Duck has been traversing the country, spreading joy, and encouraging people to appreciate and preserve our precious natural resources. With its whimsical charm and larger-than-life size, the giant rubber duck has become a global icon that brings smiles to faces of young and old alike.
As the World’s Largest Rubber Duck sails into Maryland waters, keep an eye out for this iconic bath toy on its mission to inspire joy and conservation. To stay updated with Mama Duck’s adventures, you can follow its journey on the official website, or social media.
Stay up to date with the latest articles, news and all things boating with a FREE subscription to Marinalife Magazine!
