As miners move in, local fishers seek to preserve an island paradise

Two anglers return home to Andros, a pristine island in the Bahamas, to show the world what this magical place means to them.  

The crystal clear, shallow flats of Andros are a legendary bonefish habitat, and draw sport fishers from around the world. The island’s vast barrier reef, the third largest in the world, supports vibrant corals and fish — more than 150 species. Mangroves and beds of seagrass surrounding the island are nurseries for juvenile sea creatures that go on to populate the rich waters of the Caribbean.  

Local fisherman, scientists and others, including Bahamas Sportfishing Conservation Association and Environmental Defense Fund, say that a proposal for a 5,000 acre limestone mine in Andros threatens this rich ecosystem and more than 500 local jobs that depend on healthy land and seas. Local fishing guides are calling for sustainable development on their beloved island.