Two dedicated divers and part-time Turks and Caicos Islands residents have formed the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund to raise money to compliment and supplement government efforts to help preserve the country’s pristine coral reefs.
Through the sale of wrist bands and dive tags, plus donations, the TCI non-profit foundation has begun to accept grant applications from individuals, groups and organizations for projects that will enhance the marine environment of the TCI.
David Stone and Don Stark, co-founders of the TCRF said they have been coming to the Turks and Caicos since 1993, and are impressed by the conservation efforts already in place here with the National Marine Parks system, but rapid development on the islands is placing tremendous pressure on the marine environment.
The fund has chosen as its first project, in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, the refurbishing or replacement of the snorkel trail markers on the reef in front of the Coral Gardens Resort,
Stark says the fund intends to spend at least 85 percent of the money raised on projects selected by its board. The rest will pay for purchasing dive tags, wrist bands and other support materials.
Stark is an underwater videographer, producer, director and editor who founded ScubaVision Productions. A diver since 1988, he is also a PADI certified Open Water Scuba Instructor.
Stone has been a professional nature photographer whose work has been featured many magazines, including Audubon Field Guides and National Geographic Filmstrips. His most recent photography can be seen in The Lionfish Cookbook published by REEF in December.
