The Bahamas Postal Services has released a set of colourful marine-themed commemorative postage stamps to mark the 20th anniversary of The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF). Founded by the late Sir Nicholas Nuttall in 1993, BREEF is a non-profit foundation that addresses ongoing concerns on the changing conditions of the Bahamian marine environment.

The stunning underwater images on the stamps were taken by BREEF, Stuart Cove Dive Bahamas, Sandy Voegeli, Grant Johnson, and Katie Grudecki.

Casuarina Lambert-McKinney, Executive Director at BREEF explains the vision and mission goals for BREEF.

“Our vision for The Bahamas is one in which people appreciate the value of our seas and where all take responsibility and action to ensure a healthy marine environment for the future. BREEF recognises that a healthy sea supports our culture and economy, and makes The Bahamas a truly special place in the world. There is a tremendous diversity of life to be found on Bahamian coral reefs, seagrass beds, sand flats, mangrove creeks and in the open ocean. It is therefore essential for BREEF to advocate daily for the sustainable use of the marine environment through education, research and environmental policy.”

BREEF was involved last year in creating last year’s now popular, definitive marine life stamp issue and it is hoped that this new commemorative issue of 15, 50, 65 and 70 cent stamps will help create the need for further public awareness of the marine environment both in The Bahamas and abroad. Two of the new stamps feature the Nassau Grouper, a now endangered species that has experienced severe population decline throughout the region.

The oceans of The Bahamas constitute over 95% of Bahamian territory.

BREEF recognizes that as a nation of islands the people of The Bahamas depend heavily on a healthy marine environment to support the life spans and breeding grounds, particularly of crawfish and conch and the many varieties of fish, such as Grouper, that underpin our fishing industry. In order to sustain livelihoods, BREEF advocates that we all learn productive use of the environment… without using it up.

BREEF is well known as an advocate for an annual closed season for the iconic Nassau Grouper during its winter breeding period. The push for the closed season was based on scientific evidence of population collapses throughout the region due to overfishing. BREEF is calling on the government to implement a fixed closed season for the Nassau Grouper in order to protect the species and the fishing industry. The closed season traditionally runs during the spawning season from December 1st until February 28th, to allow the fish to reproduce. BREEF is calling urgently for the announcement of this year’s Nassau Grouper closed season.

BREEF is a not for profit organization reliant on donations and grants from world-wide environmentally sensitive groups, foundations and fundraising efforts such as this year’s 20th anniversary birthday party, ‘Twenty Shades of Blue’ on the November 16th Full Moon at the ‘all dressed-up’ stately John Watling’s Distillery. The annual fundraising event begins at 7 p.m. for evening of mixed, fun entertainment including music and dancing, a Silent Auction, prize winning games, delicious, Hors d’oeuvres, Roast Beef and Turkey carving stations with all the trimmings, and plenty of mingling among the Martini and John Watling’s award winning Rum Bars. Dress ‘up’ or smart casual in shades of blue. Tickets $200 each at John Watling’s, or BREEF in Caves Village 327 9000.

About BREEF

In collaboration with local and international partners, BREEF’s initial efforts focused on providing support for the establishment of a network of marine reserves in The Bahamas as a key measure for ensuring healthy marine resources for generations to come. The Bahamas has now committed to protecting 20% of the near-shore marine environment within a network of protected areas and many new protected areas have recently been established, with more on the way.

As the only organization dedicated solely to Bahamian marine conservation, BREEF is unique. After 20 years of success it is well poised to build upon and continue its work as agents for the preservation of our ocean heritage.

To learn how to do your part in marine conservation for the long term good of people and country, log on to www.breef.org and Facebook.