The Abaco Islands, in the northern Bahamas, boast six national parks. Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park (PCLSP), a 2,100-acre land and “no-take” sea park, is very popular. The park contains beautiful undersea caves and patch reefs that are perfect for snorkeling. Fowl Cays National Park is a 1,920-acre reserve that is conveniently reached from most central Abacos cays and settlements. The reefs, and three 25- to 40-foot dive spots in untouched water, are renowned. This park is particularly attractive to scuba divers, and is also an extremely popular area for boating and snorkeling. Fowl Cays National Park also has great spillover value, because its protection enriches surrounding habitat. Both parks are home to fish, rays, sponges, and endangered staghorn and elkhorn coral, along with 12 other coral species.
The Bahamas National Trust is the only nonprofit organization in the world charged with managing a country’s entire national park system. Seacology is funding signage and a small cabana for educational information and use as a rest spot at each park. These will aid in interpretation and protection of the parks and enhance visitors’ experience.