Metal Shark joins forces with Bahamas National Trust

US boatbuilder Metal Shark has confirmed a partnership with the Bahamas National Trust to support the preservation of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.

According to the yard, it will devote a wealth of expertise to support the park’s full-time staff by providing boats, technical assistance and funding to support research, conduct wildlife inventories and patrol the park’s waters to guard against poaching and prevent damage to the ecosystem.

In a release, Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard said, “The waters and islands of the Exumas are near and dear to all of us fortunate enough to have spent time there with our families and friends.”

The park, managed by non-profit BNT, was created in 1959 to protect the second-largest coral barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. It spans 176 square miles in the Exumas – a chain of more than 365 islands called ‘cays’.

As the Exumas have becoming increasingly popular with tourists, increased vessel traffic, dredging and the development of nearby cays threaten the park’s vulnerable ecosystem.

Dean Jones, Metal Shark’s vice president of sales for law enforcement, fire rescue and specialty projects, noted, “Vessels of interest to the BNT range from patrol boats for fisheries enforcement to customised landing craft for habitat restoration, mooring maintenance and other projects.”

Metal Shark has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to help support the park’s requirements.

For more information, visit Metal Shark or Bahamas National Trust. Sign up to our newsletter to get the best of Yachting Pages delivered direct to your inbox every month.