Hope for Comebacks in Conception Island National Park
By Mavis McRae and Kip Evans
Ann Luskey with Stingray (c) Kip F. Evans/Mission Blue
Sirenuse headed back into open water on Friday night for the 10-hour journey north from Hawksbill Cay to Conception Island. After a somewhat bouncy night, we awoke to sunshine and gin-clear blue water. The island is home to one of the newer marine protected areas in the region, Conception Island National Park. Covering over 25,000 acres, the park is an important sanctuary for migratory birds, nesting sea birds and green turtles.
As it became evident that the weather was going to hold, we loaded our equipment and boarded the tenders, excited to experience the Bahamian reefs in bright sunlight. The first dive took us to the wall, a stunning drop off with colorful corals, sponges and sea fans. …