New Category : Environment

BAMSI increases production at Poultry Facility

Tue, Aug 8th 2023, 11:00 AM

The Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) is ramping up efforts to build capacity at its Poultry Research and Training Centre as the latest batch of layer hens were shipped on the MV Prince on Friday to North Andros. Some 600 Rhode Island Red Layer Hens made the seven-hour trip and were promptly transferred to the enriched cage-system at BAMSI’s farm where they are expected to produce almost 500 eggs per day.

Justin Taylor, BAMSI’s Poultry Specialist, explained the importance of the poultry programme, saying Bahamian consumers should know that they are getting fresh eggs from BAMSI. “These eggs are fresh, when you look at the carbon footprint, it takes five to six days to get to a table and in some cases it could go from the chicken to the table in hours, that’s amazing.”

He said that fresher eggs also have an impact when used in recipes. Cakes, pastries and other baked goods that use eggs will be enriched and items like mayonnaise will collate better when fresh eggs are used. He added that with an increasingly health conscious population, restaurants and bakeries can advertise that they are using locally produced eggs in their recipes and customers will recognize the value in that, he added.

“With these imported brands we don’t know how fresh these eggs are, but BAMSI can reassure the public that their eggs are fresh and are fortified with nutrients such as omega3 which comes from the flaxseed in the feed. Customers can know what they are eating. Our chickens are never fed with antibiotics or hormones, they are given an all-natural feed so for our retail clients, that’s a good marketing perception,” Mr. Taylor said.

Another benefit of having egg production in the Bahamas is the flavour of the eggs, “because the nutrients will be there inside the eggs and will not have been depleted based on the age of the eggs that are produced locally. Eggs that are imported through the US take longer to reach the consumer, and this takes away from the taste because the essential minerals needed for egg composition and integrity have been depleted”.

With the shipment between New Providence and Andros, the five-month old birds will take a few days to get acclimatized to their new environment, but are expected to begin producing eggs within two weeks.

“There was a lot of rain on the journey to Andros, which will have affected them. And like humans, animals can experience getting seasick, so we were careful not to give them any food or water while on the journey. Now that they are on land, it will take some days for them to feel comfortable in their surroundings,” Mr. Taylor said.

In a matter of weeks, the full complement of birds should be in Andros, with the facility reaching its maximum capacity of 2,800 birds. Once fully outfitted, the Research Centre is expected to produce an estimated 584,000 eggs annually.

Mr. Taylor said that since its opening in April, egg production has been going well, but the recent heat wave has caused a temporary slowdown in production. “With the climate, the higher heat index…the heat reduces the feed intake by the birds, which results in production losses of five to seven per cent. This is not a normal heat, typically, these birds can produce in heat up to 94 degrees, but the higher temperatures are causing a reduction in production.”

He further explained that the bird house is designed to accommodate a climatic control fan system to provide chickens with adequate ventilation, but to mitigate these extreme temperatures, the poultry team has introduced additional fans to the climate smart system to draw the hot air out of the house.

The layers, which were purchased from a hatchery in Georgia, were just one-day old when they arrived in the Bahamas by plane. Mr. Taylor said the birds were kept in New Providence until they were five months old and were big enough to be safely housed at the Andros facility.

“We have an enriched cage system, and the birds can’t be put in the cage at a young age, they need to be a certain size so they won’t fit through the mesh. In a week or two they will be laying eggs once they get acclimatized to the environment.”

During the opening ceremony of the facility in April, BAMSI Chairman Senator, the Hon. Tyrel Young, said the Institute hoped to achieve a number of objectives through the Poultry Research and Training Centre, and the Layers Programme. “We will be increasing the number of healthy eggs on the market, introducing Bahamian students to the science of poultry and poultry management, and we will be supporting the education and training of farmers and agri-prenuers who are interested in either creating or growing a successful poultry business.”

Mr. Taylor said now that the layers programme is up and running and egg production is steady, the focus will turn to training and research. “In September we will begin feeding trials using probiotics and enzymes, and working with various forms of calcium alternatives in the diet (which is necessary for shell integrity) to see the impact on the shells. If the eggshell is thicker, it will allow eggshells to be strong, reducing breakage during handling and transport, minimizing any pathogens from penetrating the eggshell and allowing the composition of the nutrients to stay longer inside the egg. This can result in a longer storage time and support the scientific principles of Haugh Unit, which is a measure of the internal quality of an egg. This will be part of our outreach programme, as we share this information with poultry farmers.”

Another aspect of the research and outreach programme will involve using the chicken manure as fertilizer in crop production, including vegetables, and for banana and coconut tree production. The goal of the research component of BAMSI’s layers programme is to encourage increased entrepreneurial ventures in the agriculture sector, to help existing poultry farmers produce eggs sustainably and to offer varied learning opportunities in agriculture and agro-entrepreneurship to student.

The Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) is ramping up efforts to build capacity at its Poultry Research and Training Centre as the latest batch of layer hens were shipped on the MV Prince on Friday to North Andros. Some 600 Rhode Island Red Layer Hens made the seven-hour trip and were promptly transferred to the enriched cage-system at BAMSI’s farm where they are expected to produce almost 500 eggs per day. Justin Taylor, BAMSI’s Poultry Specialist, explained the importance of the poultry programme, saying Bahamian consumers should know that they are getting fresh eggs from BAMSI. “These eggs are fresh, when you look at the carbon footprint, it takes five to six days to get to a table and in some cases it could go from the chicken to the table in hours, that’s amazing.” He said that fresher eggs also have an impact when used in recipes. Cakes, pastries and other baked goods that use eggs will be enriched and items like mayonnaise will collate better when fresh eggs are used. He added that with an increasingly health conscious population, restaurants and bakeries can advertise that they are using locally produced eggs in their recipes and customers will recognize the value in that, he added. “With these imported brands we don’t know how fresh these eggs are, but BAMSI can reassure the public that their eggs are fresh and are fortified with nutrients such as omega3 which comes from the flaxseed in the feed. Customers can know what they are eating. Our chickens are never fed with antibiotics or hormones, they are given an all-natural feed so for our retail clients, that’s a good marketing perception,” Mr. Taylor said. Another benefit of having egg production in the Bahamas is the flavour of the eggs, “because the nutrients will be there inside the eggs and will not have been depleted based on the age of the eggs that are produced locally. Eggs that are imported through the US take longer to reach the consumer, and this takes away from the taste because the essential minerals needed for egg composition and integrity have been depleted”. With the shipment between New Providence and Andros, the five-month old birds will take a few days to get acclimatized to their new environment, but are expected to begin producing eggs within two weeks. “There was a lot of rain on the journey to Andros, which will have affected them. And like humans, animals can experience getting seasick, so we were careful not to give them any food or water while on the journey. Now that they are on land, it will take some days for them to feel comfortable in their surroundings,” Mr. Taylor said. In a matter of weeks, the full complement of birds should be in Andros, with the facility reaching its maximum capacity of 2,800 birds. Once fully outfitted, the Research Centre is expected to produce an estimated 584,000 eggs annually. Mr. Taylor said that since its opening in April, egg production has been going well, but the recent heat wave has caused a temporary slowdown in production. “With the climate, the higher heat index…the heat reduces the feed intake by the birds, which results in production losses of five to seven per cent. This is not a normal heat, typically, these birds can produce in heat up to 94 degrees, but the higher temperatures are causing a reduction in production.” He further explained that the bird house is designed to accommodate a climatic control fan system to provide chickens with adequate ventilation, but to mitigate these extreme temperatures, the poultry team has introduced additional fans to the climate smart system to draw the hot air out of the house. The layers, which were purchased from a hatchery in Georgia, were just one-day old when they arrived in the Bahamas by plane. Mr. Taylor said the birds were kept in New Providence until they were five months old and were big enough to be safely housed at the Andros facility. “We have an enriched cage system, and the birds can’t be put in the cage at a young age, they need to be a certain size so they won’t fit through the mesh. In a week or two they will be laying eggs once they get acclimatized to the environment.” During the opening ceremony of the facility in April, BAMSI Chairman Senator, the Hon. Tyrel Young, said the Institute hoped to achieve a number of objectives through the Poultry Research and Training Centre, and the Layers Programme. “We will be increasing the number of healthy eggs on the market, introducing Bahamian students to the science of poultry and poultry management, and we will be supporting the education and training of farmers and agri-prenuers who are interested in either creating or growing a successful poultry business.” Mr. Taylor said now that the layers programme is up and running and egg production is steady, the focus will turn to training and research. “In September we will begin feeding trials using probiotics and enzymes, and working with various forms of calcium alternatives in the diet (which is necessary for shell integrity) to see the impact on the shells. If the eggshell is thicker, it will allow eggshells to be strong, reducing breakage during handling and transport, minimizing any pathogens from penetrating the eggshell and allowing the composition of the nutrients to stay longer inside the egg. This can result in a longer storage time and support the scientific principles of Haugh Unit, which is a measure of the internal quality of an egg. This will be part of our outreach programme, as we share this information with poultry farmers.” Another aspect of the research and outreach programme will involve using the chicken manure as fertilizer in crop production, including vegetables, and for banana and coconut tree production. The goal of the research component of BAMSI’s layers programme is to encourage increased entrepreneurial ventures in the agriculture sector, to help existing poultry farmers produce eggs sustainably and to offer varied learning opportunities in agriculture and agro-entrepreneurship to student.

Tuna Frenzy in West End for third year

Tue, Aug 1st 2023, 08:29 AM

Twenty-three sport fishing boats sailed into Grand Bahama for the Third Annual Dana's Tuna Frenzy, which was held July 21-23 at the Blue Marlin Cove Resort and Marina, West End.

Tournament Director Callie Levendowski said the fishing and weigh-in tournament was established following the tragic boating death of Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) fisheries biologist Dana Katz in 2020, and is set around the time of Katz's birthday, which was July 19.

Katz and two other scientists were on board a vessel that crashed into a piling in suburban West Palm Beach in October 2020.

The tournament was established by Katz' boyfriend, Kyle Shea, and brings together her family and friends to honor her memory, her love of birds, fishing and to raise money for her favorite charity, the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station in Miami, Florida.

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station was founded in 1980 for the purpose of caring for injured brown pelicans and has grown into an internationally recognized center for seabird rehabilitation.

Levendowski said that Blue Marlin Cove was chosen as the official home for the tournament, because of Katz's affection for Grand Bahama.

"This was one of her favorite resorts to stay at and so, we thought it fitting to host the tournament here," she said.

"This year, we had 23 boats show up, which was [fewer] than last year when there were 27. But it was a good time all the same."

She said all proceeds go to the pelican charity.

"The first year we raised $7,000. Last year that amount almost double, we raised $13,000," Levendowski said.

She said the tournament not only benefits Katz's favorite charity, but is a boost to the island's economy.

"Some 200-plus guests traveled to Grand Bahama for the event this year. Most of them stayed at Blue Marlin, while others checked into the Old Bahama Bay, Paradise Cove, Bootle Bay Fishing Lodge and VRBO West End GB Rentals," Levendowski said.

"We will return next year, but may look at finding a bigger resort."

The anglers competed in several categories - Biggest Yellowfin Tuna, Biggest Wahoo, Biggest Mahi-Mahi, 3 Fish Aggregate, Deep Drop Specimen, Top Lady Angler and Top Junior Angler.

Participating and sponsoring the tournament for the third consecutive year was Chris Green, owner of USP Marine, Coral Springs, Florida. He said fishing was good on the final day of the event, despite a few challenges.

"The sea was a little rough and there were a lot of sharks in the channel. So, most of the boats went north pass Walker's Cay where the big fish were," Green said.

He added, "Kyle does a good job organizing this event with accommodations, food and on-shore activities. We enjoy coming down here. I bring my whole family."

Katz's father, Barry Katz, said the event is always emotional and rewarding.

"To see all the people that are here and support this event in her memory ... it is like an extended family I never knew I had," he said.

Katz remembered his daughter's passion for her work with the Wildlife Commission, fishing and birds, particularly pelicans.

"She worked for FWC and every weekend she was on the boat coming to Grand Bahama with Kyle," he said.

"This was one of her favorite places and so to witness this, is special."

He thanked all the boaters, family and friends who continue to support the Tuna Frenzy every year.

"It's just a great event that helps this local economy in West End and the Seabird Station in Florida," Katz said.

BPL tariff study request for proposals soon to be released

Wed, Jul 26th 2023, 08:34 AM

In the next month or two, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) will release a request for proposals to have an entity begin a tariff study that could lead to an increased base rate for electricity consumption, but the inevitable decrease in electricity costs as the company converts to burning liquefied natural gas and implements more renewable energy production, which could lead to the company paying off its legacy debt, the company's Chief Executive Officer Shevonn Cambridge said yesterday.

Cambridge, who made the remarks during an appearance on Morning Blend on Guardian Radio 96.9 FM, said a comprehensive study could take six months to one year.

He added that the tariff study would lead to a change in BPL's base rate, which he said has not increased since 2010. Cambridge said at the current base rate, BPL does not make enough revenue to cover its expenses.

According to the BPL CEO, the tariff study will explore new revenue collection models that introduce more rate categories than exist currently, and create a more equitable cost distribution for power.

"So part of the tariff study is also to implement some of the revenue collection or building things that are being done in what we call the new utility model," said Cambridge.

"The new utility model has things in it, like EV [electric vehicle] rates, time-of-use rates, they are all the different rate

categories. Right now, we have basically three, we have residential, commercial and industrial.

"But there are places where they have stuff for medical facilities, they have stuff for auditoriums, like I told you they have special rates for EVs, there are vulnerable consumer rates, all of these things.

"So, when you do a comprehensive tariff study, it's all about making your product accessible and affordable to all consumers. Electricity isn't one of those things where it's, you know, for the haves and have-nots. As you said, it's essential. Outside is like 98, 99 degrees. AC is almost now a life-line product, a necessity."

Cambridge said when the study is done, approval to move forward with a comprehensive plan for BPL will have to be given by the shareholders [Bahamian people] and regulators [Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority].

He explained that the tariff study will simply show what BPL's revenue requirements are, and draw a plan to get the utility to that revenue goal.

"Fortunately for BPL, it's a state-owned enterprise, and we're not a profit making entity," he said.

"So, there's really no markup on it [costs], it's more or less what is required to sustain the utility.

"So it's [tariff study] to determine what our revenue requirement is based on our current operational needs and our capital plans going forward. And then to make sure that the tariff is in place to support that, or able to pay that and in that is also servicing the legacy debt."

Environment Minister: Global south member-state cooperation, significant factor in achieving sustainable development goals within the region

Wed, Jul 19th 2023, 10:45 AM

The Hon. Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, attended the recent Meeting of Ministers of High Authorities of the Environment, Science and Innovation of the G77 and China in Havana, Cuba.  During his address of the meeting, he noted that cooperation among member states of the global south was important in achieving sustainable development goals within the region. 

In his remarks describing critical issues the Bahama  Islands face, Minister Miller listed water security, the country’s vulnerability to storm surges, sea level rise, and water intrusion among the areas of concern.

He said, “The Bahamas has no significant rivers or lakes and its freshwater supply primarily relies on underground freshwater lenses and rainfall. The freshwater reserves are limited, making the country vulnerable to water scarcity and ensuring sustainable management is essential. We remain vigilant to ensure that threats to water quality concerns are adequately managed to provide safe and clean water to the population.”

Minister Miller informed participants of the country’s susceptibility to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of storms, and changing rainfall patterns.

“These changes can further stress freshwater resources and exacerbate water scarcity issues.” He noted the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019 to some of the islands.

He underscored the nation’s demonstration of its commitment to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals by integrating them into the national policies and development plans, and highlighted the Global Environment Facility Bahamas Pine Island Project as an example of this.

 “This project permits the Government to promote sustainable forest management (SDG 15.2). It also integrates biodiversity considerations and ecosystem services into forest management and land use planning, focused on four main islands: New Providence, Abaco, Andros and Grand Bahama.

“The project is slated to be completed by 2025 and will help us to bridge the capacity gaps and create foundational practices for our forestry management and sustainable livelihoods.”

Moreover, Minister Miller highlighted the efforts of the Marine Protected Areas Network. He noted that 50 new environmental, forestry and marine officers have been engaged (over a 3 year period) to conduct monitoring, research and restoration efforts within protected areas.

He said Coastal Wetlands play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and have a significant correlation with climate change dynamics.

“They are among the most productive ecosystems on earth and act as large carbon sinks, meaning that they absorb and store significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. They are found in our mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows. These areas are the interface of land and sea. They also store substantial amounts of carbon, both in their living biomass and in the sediments beneath them.”

Furthermore, Minister Miller underscored that it is time for developing countries to harness their assets via the Carbon Credits Industry as “the majority of member states in the global south are not emitters.”

“Conserving and restoring wetlands are crucial strategies for mitigating climate change. Preserving intact wetland ecosystems and implementing sustainable management practices can help maintain their role as carbon sinks, as well as support biodiversity, improve water quality and provide valuable ecosystem services for both human and wildlife.”

Minister Miller told the Meeting that The Bahamas accepts that partnership is a crucial element to development.

“Some would say that partnership makes miracles happen. Although we are doing well, there is still much more that needs to be done and we cannot do it all by ourselves.

“Even with our best efforts, our capacity to manage, protect and enforce the areas remain limited. We recognize the significance of South-South cooperation for member states of the global south, and together we can achieve sustainable development target goals within the region.”

The Hon. Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, attended the recent Meeting of Ministers of High Authorities of the Environment, Science and Innovation of the G77 and China in Havana, Cuba.  During his address of the meeting, he noted that cooperation among member states of the global south was important in achieving sustainable development goals within the region.   In his remarks describing critical issues the Bahama  Islands face, Minister Miller listed water security, the country’s vulnerability to storm surges, sea level rise, and water intrusion among the areas of concern. He said, “The Bahamas has no significant rivers or lakes and its freshwater supply primarily relies on underground freshwater lenses and rainfall. The freshwater reserves are limited, making the country vulnerable to water scarcity and ensuring sustainable management is essential. We remain vigilant to ensure that threats to water quality concerns are adequately managed to provide safe and clean water to the population.” Minister Miller informed participants of the country’s susceptibility to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of storms, and changing rainfall patterns.   “These changes can further stress freshwater resources and exacerbate water scarcity issues.” He noted the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019 to some of the islands.   He underscored the nation’s demonstration of its commitment to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals by integrating them into the national policies and development plans, and highlighted the Global Environment Facility Bahamas Pine Island Project as an example of this.  “This project permits the Government to promote sustainable forest management (SDG 15.2). It also integrates biodiversity considerations and ecosystem services into forest management and land use planning, focused on four main islands: New Providence, Abaco, Andros and Grand Bahama.   “The project is slated to be completed by 2025 and will help us to bridge the capacity gaps and create foundational practices for our forestry management and sustainable livelihoods.” Moreover, Minister Miller highlighted the efforts of the Marine Protected Areas Network. He noted that 50 new environmental, forestry and marine officers have been engaged (over a 3 year period) to conduct monitoring, research and restoration efforts within protected areas. He said Coastal Wetlands play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and have a significant correlation with climate change dynamics. “They are among the most productive ecosystems on earth and act as large carbon sinks, meaning that they absorb and store significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. They are found in our mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows. These areas are the interface of land and sea. They also store substantial amounts of carbon, both in their living biomass and in the sediments beneath them.” Furthermore, Minister Miller underscored that it is time for developing countries to harness their assets via the Carbon Credits Industry as “the majority of member states in the global south are not emitters.”   “Conserving and restoring wetlands are crucial strategies for mitigating climate change. Preserving intact wetland ecosystems and implementing sustainable management practices can help maintain their role as carbon sinks, as well as support biodiversity, improve water quality and provide valuable ecosystem services for both human and wildlife.” Minister Miller told the Meeting that The Bahamas accepts that partnership is a crucial element to development. “Some would say that partnership makes miracles happen. Although we are doing well, there is still much more that needs to be done and we cannot do it all by ourselves.   “Even with our best efforts, our capacity to manage, protect and enforce the areas remain limited. We recognize the significance of South-South cooperation for member states of the global south, and together we can achieve sustainable development target goals within the region.”