OUR VISION AND GOALS
The first time Annie and Tristan visited the island of Andros in the Bahamas they were inexorably drawn to the property that Saving the Blue recently purchased. On viewing the property, they immediately dreamt of repairing and nurturing the overgrown, neglected lot and turning it into an inspiring and impactful research station. Now, with the land secured, they plan to fully restore the existing lot to create a cutting edge shark research station.
The land is immensely overgrown and holds thirteen derelict buildings, all of which are beyond repair. We had the option to hire heavy machinery to flatten the lot, but we have chosen to employ local experts and professionals to perform the work by hand. Not only will this process provide a regular income to the local economy, it will allow the team to be selective with what and how they remove elements. Cutting the bush and collapsing buildings by hand will allow us to easily save protected trees and encourage wildlife, such as native snakes and spiders to move out of danger.
Our missions and goals are laid out below, thank you in advance for your support.
PHASE 1 – Equipment Purchase and Bush Clearing – Goal $5,000
First up we plan to remove invasive trees and plants, cut back much of the overgrown bush and remove the endless heaps of dumped trash to create a safe, workable space. This project will be led by our cherished team member and Bahamian local, Sorantaa. Rantaa will lead a team of four Bahamians as they plough through the masses of overgrown bush to provide a safe workspace for all that follow. This job will be split into two parts: Initially, the first half of the property will be cleared with the second half of the property worked on soon after, and again in phase five. We expect the first half to be completed by the end of October. This work will be tiring and difficult in the Bahamian heat, not to mention the mosquitos. We hope you will donate to support us and the local economy as we work to reach this important first goal.
PHASE 2 – Equipment Purchase and Building Clearing – Goal $10,000
Our second goal is to purchase additional equipment and to start work on removing all front dwelling buildings, of which there are 10! All 10 buildings will need to be removed carefully and safely, with any salvageable materials kept for reuse/up-cycling. Saving the Blue’s beloved boat captain Marvin (also a mechanic and contractor) will lead this project with the assistance of four other local and skilled Bahamians. We expect this phase to be completed sometime between November and December. This work, like the bush clearing, will be physically demanding, and we hope you will continue to support us on this journey by donating to this phase.
PHASE 3 – Fence Installation – Goal TBC
Next up, we’ll set a boundary! The property started heavily overgrown with no clear set boundary. The fence on some sides of the property is bursting with bush, some sections have fallen down and some areas have no fence at all. This phase of the project will see us create a clear property boundary. Thank you in advance for supporting this phase.
PHASE 4 – Dock Renovation and Permitting – Already Funded
Although already funded, we would like to share our plans to renovate the current dockage. We will repair and modernize the existing heavily damaged dock. It is unsafe, and as it will be a critical part of our everyday life, fully restoring it is a must. This exciting project will go on to be a focal point for our work, as we’ll leave and return from this dock almost daily. We must thank and remember the late Bonnie and David Epstein for funding this project. They funded this phase back in 2021 and we will always appreciate and remember their belief and trust in our work. You are both so incredibly missed.
PHASE 5 – Equipment Purchase, Bush and Building Clearing, part two
After the completion of phase two, three buildings will still be standing. Phase five will see us slightly reduce the back bush to once again provide safe access to remove these final three buildings. Any standing invasive trees and plants, along with the last standing buildings, will be removed.
PHASE 6 – Building Plans and Permitting
Next up, we’ll have the extremely exciting opportunity to work on the building plans and permitting. We will work with an architect to design the main building, our shark research station! We will do everything we can to keep the station as green as possible, this relates to materials, solar, and beyond.
PHASE 7 – Building Creation and Permitting
The big one! Our next financial goal will be set to create our dream research station. We have identified an existing concrete slab that we hope to use as our stations base. Our initial vision and plan is to create a space up to 3,000 square feet, featuring a large lab, a kitchen/dining area, two bedrooms, and one or two bathrooms. In addition, we will create a small storage structure. Once this phase goes LIVE we will be offering the opportunity to name a room (from $5,000). Please reach out to us directly if you are interested in naming a room in advance.
PHASE 8 – Boat and Motor Purchases
Once our building is complete, we will be looking look to source two boats to support our outreach and research efforts. If you are in a position to donate a boat or motor, or would like to part or fully fund this phase, please reach out to us directly.
Ongoing Goals
We require ongoing funding to support many projects relating to the property. We paid thousands of dollars in legal fees which we welcome donations towards, and there are additional projects that will need funding, including concrete pathways and slabs that require repairs and renewals, additional equipment and furnishings, funds to cover all labor done on the property and so much more. This project will be ongoing for 12-18 months and we truly appreciate your support!