For the tourists who flock here, the Bahamian archipelago is a diving and angling paradise. But beneath the turquoise waters, a delicate ecosystem is under assault. The British-governed Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) lie at the southeastern end of the Bahamian archipelago. The clear waters of the TCI are considered to be among the world's top 10 diving locations. Nearly 50 species of coral and over 350 large fish species, including spotted eagle rays, sharks, groupers, snappers, and dolphin fish are easily spotted in the clear, warm waters just steps from our field station. Nearby sea grass beds, mangrove forests, sandy shoals, and deep reefs lend a patchwork appearance to the miles of shallow blue waters that surround the Islands. However, pollution and overharvesting of precious marine resources, coupled with unsustainable tourism and industrial development, are poised to inflict irreparable damage to this delicate ecosystem. In short, conservationists may soon lose the battle.

These diverse and relatively intact and healthy ecosystems support much of the community on South Caicos Island, with fisheries providing the primary source of livelihood. The TCI are a major international exporter of rapidly dwindling stocks of queen conch and spiny lobster. Depletion of these resources, along with burgeoning tourism development, will have a dramatic impact on employment and social structure on South Caicos Island. Developing a sustainable fishery is essential if this resource-dependent community is to survive.  While many Caribbean communities have promoted economic diversification to improve economic and social stability, uncontrolled tourism and land development will drive this fragile marine ecosystem and the traditional Caribbean culture it supports to the brink of collapse. Other forms of economic diversification and plans for sustainable development need to be implemented in order to avoid this pending environmental catastrophe.